New AOL — ABC Deal

AOL and ABC are climbing in the business bed together with a new deal that will allow AOL subscribers to view some of the television network’s new fall shows immediately after their premiere, according to Variety. AOL, owned by Time Warner, is the largest online/broadband provider in the United States. The ABC Network is part of the Disney Group.

New SF and genre-related shows such as the highly anticipated “Pushing Daisies” and the tepidly anticipated “Cavemen” are part of that package deal.

Full versions of ABC’s programming will be offered on AOL’s online video player called AOL Video. AOL also announced it will be releasing its own embedded short-form player before the end of this year that will allow ABC to broadcast shorter features and teaser clips.

With NBC moving away from iTunes two weeks ago, opting instead for Amazon Unbox and its own download website, and now ABC adding AOL to its roster, iTunes is no longer considered the only download kid on the block as a resource for programming in the mind of major network execs.

“As we experiment with new ways to grow our digital business, we remain focused on finding smart, new methods to connect viewers to the content they want and brands they love on the platforms they choose,” Disney-ABC Television Group prexy Anne Sweeney told Variety.

“Lost,” one of ABC’s biggest entries on iTunes, will now also be available via the AOL connection along with that other ratings hog “Grey’s Anatomy.” Other non-SF new programs going to AOL will be “Big Shots,” “Carpoolers,” “Dirty Sexy Money” and “Private Practice.”

“With the addition of ABC, AOL Video is the only destination with agreements to offer free streaming primetime programming from all four major networks,” said AOL chairman/CEO Randy Falco