Article: Fast Track.(American Broadcasting Companies Inc. to give download facilities)(King World Productions Inc. and Sony Pictures Television to launch a game show)(New York Times Co. and Discovery Communications Inc.)

By Staff

ABC Deal Stuns Affils

Staff

Free downloads leave stations cold

Six months after ABC shocked its affiliates by cutting a deal with Apple to sell some of its shows on iTunes, the network last week unveiled an online- distribution deal that once again bypasses ABC stations, raising new concerns for local broadcasters.

In May, ABC will launch a two-month trial to make four hit shows, including Lost and Desperate Housewives , available on its Web site. Unlike the iTunes offering, where users buy episodes for $1.99, the repeats on ABC.com will be free, potentially widening the appeal.

The development alarms ...

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