WSJ.com - TV Downloads May Undercut ABC Stations

WSJ.com - TV Downloads May Undercut ABC Stations: "Apple's deal with Disney, which also includes past and current episodes of 'Desperate Housewives,' 'Night Stalker' and 'That's So Raven,' is already causing waves in the TV business. On Friday, Leon Long, the president of the association representing ABC's affiliate stations, expressed misgivings about the partnership, which was announced publicly by Apple Chief Executive Steve Jobs and Disney CEO Robert Iger at an event last Wednesday. In a letter Mr. Long sent to the president of the ABC network, Alex Wallau, Mr. Long said ABC affiliates are concerned that they weren't given an opportunity for financial participation in a new form of distributing shows that derives value through the promotion and broadcasting of affiliates.
The letter, a copy of which was reviewed by The Wall Street Journal, says: 'It is both disappointing and unsettling that ABC would embark on a new -- and competitive -- network program distribution partnership without the fundamental courtesy of consultation' with its affiliates."