Cable and satellite were once the major two options for consumers to get their TV fixes, but that's really not the case anymore thanks to the advent of streaming video. Many folks have opted to cut their cords and stick solely with streaming over any kind of cable package, although some networks and local programming simply haven't been available yet. Now, cord-cutters who have been antsy for some ABC are in luck. Disney has officially struck a deal that will allow content streaming.
At the National Association of Broadcaster's Show in Las Vegas, Deadline reports that Disney announced that a deal has been signed that will allow digital distribution of local broadcast affiliates. More than 160 affiliate stations will have the option to "opt into pre-negotiated agreements for digital distribution of their live, linear feeds, as well as potential opportunities for local VOD distribution." Giving consumers the opportunity to stream local coverage and even local Video On Demand services could be pretty huge for those who have either already cut their cords and for those who have been considering it.
Many local affiliates now stream their content with services like YouTube TV, DirecTV Now, and Sony PlayStation Vue in addition to standard cable and satellite packages. According to Disney, the scope of the streaming market will soon expand even further. About 90% of all TV households reportedly already can or will soon be able to stream ABC live on non-traditional platforms.
Given the growing popularity of streaming services, it's not a huge surprise that broadcast networks are looking to get into the game before cord-cutters jump ship entirely and never look back. As of April 2016, approximately 65% of US households had a television that connected to a streaming service, which was a significant rise from the 44% of 2013 and the 24% in 2010. Cable companies have experienced regular downward trends in subscribing households, and a significant number of Netflix subscribers admitted not so long ago that they were planning on ditching their cable packages. Broadcast networks making their programming available streaming could be a way to keep them competitive in the TV market in an era when many consumers are moving toward digital viewing.
We'll have to wait and see if other major networks follow Disney and ABC's example. Stay tuned to CinemaBlend for the latest in TV news, and don't forget to check out our midseason TV premiere guide and our summer TV premiere schedule to discover all your viewing options now and in the coming weeks. Be sure to drop by our rundowns for cable/streaming and broadcast TV renewals and cancellations. If you're still not sure what's worth watching this summer, our list of upcoming shows that actually look pretty good could be the place for you.
