Disney to Offer Some Vintage TV Series on Its Web Site

From the NYTimes

The Walt Disney Company will begin showing its classic television shows on the Internet, its chief executive, Robert A. Iger, told shareholders on Thursday.

"In the near future, you'll see more of that product available on Disney.com, either for free or through some sort of subscription," Mr. Iger, 57, said at the company's annual meeting. "Providing physical goods on DVD is tougher and tougher these days because shelf space is limited."

Disney, producer of the "Zorro" and "Davy Crockett" TV series in the 1950s, is expanding Web revenue by selling programs from ABC and the Disney Channel on Apple's iTunes Store and offering ad-supported episodes online. "Star Trek" from CBS and "The A-Team" from NBC have been added to those networks' Web sites. Mr. Iger did not say which shows Disney would provide.

CBS and NBC said last month they would put advertiser-supported episodes of older TV series online. CBS shows include "MacGyver" and NBC will provide "Miami Vice."

Disney bought Club Penguin, an online social network for children, in August to help increase Internet sales. Mr. Iger is also expanding Disney's cable network and animation businesses outside the United States. He is using hit TV programs and films like "High School Musical" and "Hannah Montana" to bolster sales in Disney's theme parks and its consumer products division.

"Each of these stories has been developed and enriched over time," Mr. Iger said at the meeting in Albuquerque. They "work on multiple technological platforms and appeal across multiple cultural and social backgrounds."