Prospect Park's The Online Network (TOLN) announced Friday
it has cut a deal with Hulu and iTunes to distribute new episodes of its soap
operas, All My Children and One Life to Live, beginning in the
spring.
The agreement with Hulu will allow viewers to see first-run episodes
via the free Hulu.com service, and Hulu Plus subs will also gain access on
connected TVs, mobile phones, tablets and PCs. The iTunes deal also extends
viewing to iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Apple TV.
After being canceled by ABC in 2011, Prospect Park
officially announced its plans to revivethe long-running soaps online earlier this month.
"I believe that both Hulu and iTunes have the vision,
the reach and the technology to help us launch TOLN in a significant way,"
said Jeff Kwatinetz, Prospect Park's chairman and CEO. "We think these
platforms are part of history, helping us to transform distribution. Hulu's
reach, platform and advertising prowess are best in class, and iTunes provides
an incredible way to buy TV shows that is second to none. Through both of these
partners, we hope daytime drama fans are absolutely delighted to be able
to watch their favorite programs in a broadcast-quality HD format wherever
and whenever they want."
Hulu will manage the advertising sales for both shows, and
package integrated sponsorship opportunities. TOLN will also offer ecommerce
and other digital marketing programs to brands and entities.
Separately, Prospect Park has closed its financing with
media-focused private equity investment firm ABRY Partners.
