Disney-ABC, ESPN Extend Verizon Deal

NEW YORK/BRISTOL/BASKING RIDGE: Disney-ABC Television Group and ESPN have expanded their offerings on Verizon Wireless’s V CAST mobile service.

The deal encompasses mobile distribution of on-demand, full-length episodes of Disney and ABC content, complementing existing short-form programming currently available from the broadcasters. This includes ABC’s Desperate Housewives, Grey’s Anatomy, Lost and Ugly Betty, plus news programming like Nightline, This Week with George Stephanopoulos, World News with Charles Gibson and 20/20. From Disney Channel comes full-length episodes of Hannah Montana, The Suite Life on Deck and Phineas and Ferb. Full episodes will be available on demand on V CAST Video the day following their television premiere.The agreement also includes expanded programming from ESPN, including short news clips and other sports-related content.

"We are excited to team with Verizon to bring an even more extensive, comprehensive array of multi-brand, world-class programming to V CAST customers," said Matt Murphy, the senior VP of digital video distribution at Disney and ESPN Media Networks. "As we continue expanding the ways viewers can connect to the content they want and brands they love on the platforms they choose, Verizon has been a true ally. In the past year, we’ve not only teamed to offer full episodes on wireless, but have also worked together to bring ESPN Deportes to more Verizon FiOS customers, to make popular ABC series available via fast-forward disabled VOD and to launch new iTV applications like ESPN’s Fantasy Football."