ABC TV Launches Branded VOD Service in Portugal

COLOGNE, Germany -- ABC TV on Monday launched its first branded VOD service in Portugal, teaming with local pay player ZON Videoclube.

The deal with ABC parent Walt Disney Co. will see ZON offer subscribers on demand series from ABC’s catalogue, including hit titles such as Grey’s Anatomy, Desperate Housewives, and Criminal Minds.

The Porto agreement marks ABC’s second international VOD platform deal, following a similar agreement with BT Vision in the U.K. last year.

ABC shows are available on other European VOD sites run by local channels. The U.K. and Portugal deals are the first where ABC offers its shows on demand under its own brand to viewers outside the U.S.

ABC is a part owner of U.S. online streaming site Hulu but Hulu however does not operate in Portugal, or anywhere in Europe, as it has been unable to secure content licensing deals with local broadcasters.