ABC has created an initiative called Clearinghouse which will make it easier for local ABC affiliates to stream their signals to viewers.
Ben Sherwood, co-chairman of Disney Media Networks and president of Disney/ABC Television Group, told NAB in Las Vegas, Clearinghouse “provides ABC affiliates the opportunity to opt into pre-negotiated agreements for digital distribution of their live, linear feeds as well as potential opportunities for local VOD distribution.”
“The network has formulated the technical and distribution components of deals between the ABC Owned Television Stations and DirecTV for the Watch ABC TV Everywhere service and Sony Playstation Vue, and will use these as templates for the Clearinghouse offerings,” said ABC.
Hearst Television is the first to sign up. So, for example, a Pittsburgh DirecTV subscriber will now be able to watch WTAE‘s live feed on their mobile device or computer in that market.
“Building on our leadership in the TV everywhere space, we’ve pioneered creative, three-way Clearinghouse distribution arrangements among ABC, our affiliates, and our video providers,” said Sherwood. “These efficient, turnkey deals allow our affiliates to opt into partnerships that work for them, preserving the powerful local/national relationship while expediting the delivery of their signals into new consumer spaces that viewers are demanding. This is win-win. Consumers get the viewing choices they demand. And our affiliates get distribution opportunities that accelerate their involvement.”