DirecTV and Walt Disney Co. have reached a multiyear
distribution agreement that expands content available on
smartphones and tablets in an era in which consumers increasingly
are watching media on different devices.
In a statement, DirecTV Chief Content Officer Dan York said the
agreement will provide "a wide range of in-home and out-of-home
viewing options to enjoy the broad collection of ESPN, Disney and
ABC content."
DirecTV customers will get access to services like WatchESPN and
Watch ABC on Internet-enabled devices in early 2015.
Content like ABC on Demand will be available soon through the
DirecTV Everywhere app, the companies said.
The deal renews access to properties like the Disney Channel,
ESPN and ABC's eight owned-and-operated stations, while adding
channels including Fusion, Longhorn Network and ESPN Goal Line.
Fellow satellite-TV provider Dish Network Corp. has had disputes
with content providers. Dish recently dropped 21st Century Fox
Inc.'s Fox News Channel and Fox Business Network after the
companies couldn't come to terms on a new distribution
contract.
In May, AT&T Inc. agreed to buy DirecTV for $49 billion.
Write to Josh Beckerman at josh.beckerman@wsj.com
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