MUMBAI: Comcast Corp, the largest US cable operator, has reached a comprehensive 10-year programming carriage deal for TV, Web and handheld devices with Walt Disney Co.
In all, the agreement covers more than 70 services.
The deal that covers Disney‘s various networks including ABC and ESPN, will allow Comcast‘s Xfinity TV customers to watch those networks live or on-demand on multiple devices.
"Given the scope of assets Comcast and Disney/ABC/ESPN are making available to consumers, this agreement is unprecedented in our industry," said ESPN executive chairman George Bodenheimer.
"It reinforces the value of the multichannel subscription and takes full advantage of new technologies, which serve all of our viewers," he added.
The deal gives a big boost to the cable TV industry‘s push for programmers and distributors to reach agreements that will enable paying subscribers to watch their favourite shows anytime. Distributors have pushed back over whether they should pay extra so their subscribers can watch the shows online or on other devices.
Also included in the deal is a broadcast retransmission agreement for ABC‘s seven broadcast stations. Comcast will launch Disney Junior - a new 24-hour basic channel for preschool-age children and will also provide its Xfinity customers with access to live Disney networks.
