Disney Channel is the latest in its corporate family to broadcast full-length episodes of its shows online, taking advantage of the fast-growing online video ad market, which eMarketer estimates will top $640 million next year.
The Walt Disney Co.’s DisneyChannel.com today launches its broadband player with several of its more popular series, including “The Suite Life of Zack & Cody” is one of several Disney Channel shows to run ad-supported and free online.
Rich Ross, president, Disney Channel Worldwide, said the impetus was to let children get to Disney Channel content however they wanted. Disney Channel on TV is sponsorship-based, but the online versions of the shows will follow a more straightforward online video advertising model, allowing marketers to stream full-length noninteractive pre-roll spots and have fixed display advertising.
