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ABC Full Episode Player Now Also on AOL.com; More Network Notes

Dedicated to expanding its network and channel brands across multiple platforms and connecting viewers with their favorite shows anytime and anywhere, Disney-ABC Television Group and AOL today announced the availability of full-length episodes of popular primetime shows on AOL Video. Delivered via a co-branded version of ABC.com's Emmy-winning broadband player, full episodes of ABC programs are available today at http://video.aol.com and beginning next week will feature ABC's new fall lineup of programming. The agreement marks the first time ABC's primetime programming has been made available on a major portal and is also the first time a major portal has offered a full feature version of a broadcast network's online video player.
Additionally, the two companies will team to offer select short form programming from ABC via an embedded short-form player, which will debut on AOL later this year. The short-form programming featured on the embedded player will include both original and derivative content from ABC.
The same series that are offered on ABC.com the next day will also be on AOL.
Combining sleek, modern design and user-friendly functionality with geo-targeting ability, the ABC.com broadband player on AOL will be co-branded with an "ABC.com on AOL" message alongside the local ABC affiliate's station ID based on the individual user's geographic location. Individual episodes viewed online will feature up to three interactive advertisements from one national sponsor, as well as an additional local ad insertion. ABC will continue to sell national advertising for the broadband player and local affiliates will continue to be responsible for local ad sales. Since the broadband player launched on ABC.com in September 2006, over 140 million episodes of ABC primetime series have been initiated by users, and to date, ABC affiliates covering 80% of the country have launched or are committed to launch the players on their own websites.

It is a busy time of the year for networks as we near the launch of the new season. A few series have already had their series premiere, such as Kid Nation and Back to You. Both debuted last night and were neck and neck in the ratings. Look for our final ratings report for the night on our message board later tonight or tomorrow. And for sure on Sunday right here on the blog in our weekly round-up.
CBS has just announced that it will encore the premiere of Kid Nation on Saturday at 8pm. The series premiered to an audience of 9.4 million viewers on Wednesday, winning its hour in Adults 18-49, children 2-11 and children 6-11. So if you missed it, catch it then. See what all the hoopla is about.