(The New York Times is reporting that ABC will quietly add a button to its iPhone and iPad apps this week that will let users around New York and Philadelphia begin live-streaming all ABC programming -- the first time any network has gone live on the web.
But wait, there's a catch: the live stream will only be available to paying customers of cable and satellite systems in the New York and Philadelphia markets. The six other cities where ABC owns TV stations will be added later this summer, the company said.
The network will have to negotiate with its more than 200 affiliates in other markets to clear the way for live-streaming outside the major cities where it owns stations.
The Times said ABC has already completed negotiations with Hearst Television, which owns stations in 13 markets, including Boston and Pittsburgh.
Could catch on
It may start a trend. Seven years ago, ABC became the first network to stream full episodes of its shows the day after they were broadcast and other networks quickly followed.
The broadcast and cable business is being broken open by pressure from consumers, lawmakers and regulators. The latest volley was fired last week by Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), who introduced a bill that would open up "a la carte" cable programming -- allowing subscribers to order only the channels they want to watch instead of being forced to pay for large tiers of channels they seldom or never watch.
The companies that produce shows for cable -- like AMC and HBO -- already distribute much of their programming via Netflix, Amazon, Hulu and other Internet channels, putting additional pressure on over-the-air broadcasters to do the same.
