No doubt in an attempt to stay relevant as consumers view more TV programming online, Reuters reports that the Fox network has signed a six-year agreement with its 187 affiliated stations that will let it show reruns of its television programs on the Internet.
The revenue-sharing agreement allows Fox to make 60 percent of its prime-time schedule available online the morning after the shows air. The formula is complex, but stations essentially will get a 12.5 percent cut after costs. Fox is the home of hit programs such as "American Idol" and "The Simpsons," and is the latest television network to take a shot at making its programming available online as more people turn to the Internet for entertainment.
Walt Disney-ABC television network announcement earlier that it will offer some of its most popular shows, including "Desperate Housewives" and "Lost," for free on an advertising-supported Web service. It also comes after CBS made the "March Madness" NCAA college basketball playoff games available online. General Electric-NBC last December started offering programs for sale on Apple Computer Inc.'s iTunes downloading service.
The revenue-sharing agreement allows Fox to make 60 percent of its prime-time schedule available online the morning after the shows air. The formula is complex, but stations essentially will get a 12.5 percent cut after costs. Fox is the home of hit programs such as "American Idol" and "The Simpsons," and is the latest television network to take a shot at making its programming available online as more people turn to the Internet for entertainment.
Walt Disney-ABC television network announcement earlier that it will offer some of its most popular shows, including "Desperate Housewives" and "Lost," for free on an advertising-supported Web service. It also comes after CBS made the "March Madness" NCAA college basketball playoff games available online. General Electric-NBC last December started offering programs for sale on Apple Computer Inc.'s iTunes downloading service.