DirecTV, Disney in Distribution Pact

DirecTV and Walt Disney Co. have reached a multiyear distribution agreement that expands content available on smartphones and tablets in an era in which consumers increasingly are watching media on different devices.

In a statement, DirecTV Chief Content Officer Dan York said the agreement will provide "a wide range of in-home and out-of-home viewing options to enjoy the broad collection of ESPN, Disney and ABC content."

DirecTV customers will get access to services like WatchESPN and Watch ABC on Internet-enabled devices in early 2015.

Content like ABC on Demand will be available soon through the DirecTV Everywhere app, the companies said.

The deal renews access to properties like the Disney Channel, ESPN and ABC's eight owned-and-operated stations, while adding channels including Fusion, Longhorn Network and ESPN Goal Line.

Fellow satellite-TV provider Dish Network Corp. has had disputes with content providers. Dish recently dropped 21st Century Fox Inc.'s Fox News Channel and Fox Business Network after the companies couldn't come to terms on a new distribution contract.

In May, AT&T Inc. agreed to buy DirecTV for $49 billion.

Write to Josh Beckerman at [e-mail]

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