ABC is debuting an app for viewers to watch live television on computers and mobile devices -- if they're already signed up with a cable or satellite provider.
On Sunday, before its upfronts presentation next week, the network announced that viewers in New York and Philadelphia will be able to watch local news stations via a "WATCH ABC" app on May 14. However, after a free trial period ends in June, viewers must be signed up with a cable or satellite provider in order to get authenticated content.
ABC will be the first broadcast network to offer such an app.
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"Our mission with this special preview is to gather key learnings about the service and the consumers who utilize it in order for our WATCH products to be the gold standard experience of authenticated multiplatform viewing," said Anne Sweeney, co-chair, Disney Media Networks, and president, Disney/ABC Television Group, in a news release.
ABC also stated that it struck an agreement with Hearst Television to bring the app to 13 additional markets. The network is planning to bring the app to all of its stations before broadcast season.
The network's corporate siblings, Disney Channel and ESPN, currently have similar app offerings available, WATCH Disney and WatchESPN, that allow users to watch TV on multiple devices as long as they sign in through a cable provider.
