Disney-ABC Content Heads to Asian On-Demand Service

HONG KONG, July 15: Hong
Kong-based English-language channel TVB Pearl has signed a landmark agreement
with Disney-ABC International Television (Asia Pacific) to offer a raft of
ad-supported U.S. network series on its online on-demand service, CatchUp TV,
free of charge.

Through CatchUp TV,
viewers can watch a range of hit U.S. series, available 12 hours after their TV
broadcast. All episodes will remain available for streaming on pearl.tvb.com
for four weeks after the telecast. The first show to launch is the ABC
Studios-produced Dirty Sexy Money,
premiering July 17 at 10:35 p.m. on Pearl. Dramas to follow include Lost, Desperate Housewives and Brothers & Sisters.

Rob Gilby, the senior VP
and managing director of Disney-ABC International Television (Asia Pacific),
said, “We’re delighted to be expanding our relationship with TVB into the
digital media space by bringing our hit U.S. series to Hong Kong viewers in a
free ad-supported online model for the first time by any U.S. studio in the
region.”

He continued, “We
understand that viewers today want complete flexibility and choice in how and
when they watch their favorite shows. This deal is another step in our
commitment to helping them stay connected anytime.”

S. K. Cheong, the general
manager of broadcasting for TVB, added, “The progressive policy of Disney-ABC
International Television in allowing a free ad-supported ‘CatchUp TV’ service
in Hong Kong is welcomed by us and will go a long way towards strengthening
Hong Kong audiences’ involvement with Disney programs.”

—By Kristin
Brzoznowski