• March 30, 2009

Disney Media Networks and YouTube announced an agreement Monday that includes the launch of multiple ad-supported channels featuring short-form content from ESPN and the Disney/ABC Television Group.

Disney Media Networks will have the option to sell their own advertising inventory within the Disney/ABC and ESPN channels, according to a joint statement issued by the companies.

The channel rollout is scheduled to begin in mid-April for ESPN and early May for the Disney/ABC Television Group channels, which will include ABC Entertainment, ABC News, ABC Family and SOAPnet. Reviews of what will be available can be viewed at www.YouTube.com/ABC and www.YouTube.com/ESPN.

As part of the agreement, the ESPN Video Player will be integrated into ESPN's channel on YouTube and will anchor a wide variety of sports content and highlights on YouTube. ESPN will also make additional short-form content available through YouTube's player. ESPN content that is available on the ESPN channel and player will not contain long-form content from its linear networks.--Tanya Irwin