• by Wayne Friedman , March 31, 2009

Disney Media Networks has joined the ranks of other major media companies by striking an agreement with YouTube for short-form content.

The ad-supported channels will start up mid-April for ESPN and early May for the Disney/ABC Television Group channels. This includes ABC Entertainment, ABC News, ABC Family and SOAPnet.

In somewhat of a first, Disney/ABC and ESPN will also be able to test pre-roll advertising on short-form content. Disney Media Networks will have the option to sell their own advertising inventory within the Disney/ABC and ESPN channels.

As part of the agreement, ESPN Video Player will be integrated into ESPN's channel on YouTube.

Reports suggested that Disney has been also considering an Internet streaming video deal with Hulu.

Other YouTube partners include CBS, NBA, Sony Entertainment Television, and Universal Music.