Monday, February 12, 2007

ABC Lays out Web Expansion Plans

In a presentation to investors, ABC has signalled its intent to significantly expand the offerings on its website, including more streaming shows and more user-generated content, and will also offer a new ad format, according to MediaWeek.

ABC.com will soon begin to stream national news broadcasts in addition to more news programming from ABC affiliates. The site will allow viewers to choose from two new viewing options - full screen or mini-screens suitable for desktop viewing while working on other things - in addition to the current viewing size.

A new ad format for the streaming video is also being made available to marketers. "Pause Ads" will appear as static images over the show when viewers pause the show they're watching. Advertisers will have the ability to geo-target the Pause Ads.

ABC also plans to launch an online channel for America's Funniest Home Videos, its long-running home-video program. The site will encourage people to upload their own videos, which the online community can then view and pass along. Some of the videos submitted may wind up being broadcast on TV.

In a separate announcement, Disney's Touchstone TV production department has been renamed ABC Television Studio. Two Buena Vista units will also be re-branded as Disney seeks to focus on its core Disney, ABC and ESPN brand names.

No comments: