ABC to stream network shows live to iOS devices


ABC will be rolling out a new system for streaming local ABC stations via an iOS app, reports the New York Times. The system will require a subscription to a participating cable/satellite provider.

It gives ABC another talking point about how it is adapting to audience preferences; in this case, viewers will be able to carry ³Good Morning America² with them as they move around the house in the morning, or tune into a weekend basketball game while out with friends. The live stream will work anywhere in a local market, the same way an old-fashioned TV antenna would.


The system sounds similar to ABC¹s ESPN 3 live streaming app. That allows live streaming anywhere of live sports events once users are authenticated through their cable/sat providers gateway. Like the ESPN Watch app, the new app will be named Watch ABC. The NYT reports the app may go live this week after a formal announcement on Tuesday.