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Disney partners TVB for online catch-up in Hong Kong

Territories covered

Asia-Pacific

Hong Kong,

Published: 18-Jul-08

Disney-ABC Television International has partnered TVB to offer four series online. Viewers will be able to watch full length episodes of Lost, Desperate Housewives, Brothers & Sisters and Dirty Sexy Money through the Hong Kong broadcaster's website.

Shows will be available online 12 hours after television broadcast on TVB Pearl and will remain on the site for three or four weeks. The videos will be free-to-view, supported by advertising in the form of in-stream ads and sponsorship.

Our take...
The deal with TVB marks the first time Disney has licensed its TV shows for free online catch-up in Asia. By providing catch-up television at no cost to the consumer TVB's service has the potential to grow a meaningful audience, particularly if the library of shows is expanded. However, piracy is a significant concern in the region. With a number of illegal websites offering a wide range of series from the likes of Disney-ABC immediately after their US broadcast online viewers may be reluctant to switch to a legal outlet.