(19 October 2007 7:30 pm)

MUMBAI: Channel 4 has tied up with Disney-ABC International Television for video-on-demand (VoD) content.

As per the partnership, ABC studios' shows aired on Channel 4 will be available on Channel 4's VoD service under the title 4oD.

Viewers can access programmes free of charge with adverts for a month. Each series will be supported by multiple adverts and sponsorship packages to cover on demand transmissions. This is the first time in Europe that Disney-ABC International Television has made its network series available on demand, free of charge to viewers, supported by advertising.

The service will kick off with the second season of Ugly Betty to be followed by subsequent seasons of Desperate Housewives, Brothers & Sisters, Reaper and Dirty Sexy Money.

Channel 4 director of acquisitions and Film4 Jeff Ford said, "We want Channel 4 viewers to be able to see our shows in a format, time and platform to suit them and to make the process as simple as possible. This deal means that viewers can now catch up on some of their favourite US shows, alongside home grown product, free of charge at a time convenient to them which can only be good news."

Disney-ABC International Television senior vice president sales Jim Brehm said, "We're committed to working with partners who have strong brands in the digital space, like Channel 4, to enhance consumers' viewing experience of our content, and expand its distribution. Building on this partnership, we're pleased to bring these series to UK viewers in a free, ad-supported model for the first time, allowing them to enjoy these much talked-about shows whenever, wherever and however they wish."