C4 signs download deal with Desperate Housewives maker

Channel 4 has signed a deal to stream ad-funded shows from US programme maker ABC Studios free of charge on its on-demand channel 4oD. The partnership begins with tonight’s (Friday’s) episode of Ugly Betty and will include all of its series, including Desperate Housewives and Brothers & Sisters.

Programmes can be downloaded for up to 30 days after broadcast and will include multiple adverts and sponsorship packages. It is the first time The Walt Disney Company-owned ABC International Television has made its programmes free-on-demand in Europe.

Senior vice-president of sales at Disney-ABC International Television Jim Brehm says: “We’re committed to working with partners who have strong brands in the digital space, like Channel 4, to enhance consumers’ viewing experience of our content, and expand its distribution.”

Programmes that are more than 30 days old will still be available on a pay-per-view basis on 4oD. Channel 4 launched the service in December and was the first UK broadcaster to make all its home-grown programming available on-demand.