BURBANK, CALIF.: Disney Media Networks and YouTube have announced an agreement to launch multiple ad-supported channels featuring short-form content from ESPN and the Disney-ABC Television Group. Under the terms of the agreement, Disney Media Networks will have the option to sell its own advertising inventory within the Disney’s ABC and ESPN channels. Channel roll-out is scheduled to begin in mid-April for ESPN and early May for the Disney-ABC Television Group channels, which will include ABC Entertainment, ABC News, ABC Family and SOAPnet.
The ESPN Video Player will be integrated into ESPN’s channel on YouTube as part of the agreement, though it will not carry long-form programming from the TV network. ESPN will also make short-form content available through YouTube’s player.
“This deal provides us with the opportunity to reach a broader online audience, to experiment with different monetization models and to extend the reach of our advertisers within branded environments that they most desire,” said Anne Sweeney, co-chair of Disney Media Networks and president of the Disney ABC Television Group.
According to The New York Times, Disney is also in talks to take a stake in YouTube rival Hulu, whose Hulu.com Web TV destination is jointly owned by NBC Universal and News Corp. – from TV Technology
