General Hospital
DISNEY/ABC Launching WATCH ABC App! GH Fans Can Watch It Live In-Synch With Broadcast!
Walt Disney Company’s ABC s looking to become the first broadcast network to go live on the Internet on a full-time basis. Today they announced “Watch ABC” which will debut this fall and allow viewers to watch the network from mobile devices and tablets when they are away from home.
“Watch ABC” will basically be a live stream of the network’s feed as well as local programming such as news. “Watch ABC” allows viewers of such programs as General Hospital to view their shows in real-time.
According to L.A. Times, “The service is only available to people who already have a pay-TV provider. Also, it will initially not be available in every market because ABC needs to reach distribution agreements for Watch ABC with all its local affiliates. The first two markets to have Watch ABC will be New York and Philadelphia starting May 14, where ABC owns the stations. Then ABC will roll the service out to other markets where it owns local TV stations including KABC-TV Los Angeles. Also partnering with the network on the service is Hearst Corp. which owns several major market ABC affiliates including outlets in Boston and Pittsburgh.”
“Watch ABC is a game-changing innovation for the broadcast television industry,” said Anne Sweeney, co-chair of Disney Media Networks and president of Disney/ABC Television Group. “This announcement represents a defining moment in technology and distribution, as well as for our advertising and affiliate partners, as we ensure that our high-quality content is available to viewers on a variety of devices.”
The “Watch ABC” effort represents a dramatic shift in the way networks view the Web. While much of the TV industry has been focused on putting content online, it has mostly used the platform for video on demand, not live TV. The reasons for that approach are several. First, there was a school of thought that consumers were not interested in watching live TV on the Web but instead preferred to use it for movies or to catch up on shows they may have missed.
Another issue had to do with the often complex relationship between broadcast networks and the local stations that carry their programming. The local stations don’t want viewers to be able to bypass them and just watch a national ABC feed on the Web. That would hurt their ratings and ad revenue. That meant ABC had to ensure that the interests of its affiliates were protected and that any feed include their local programming in any online linear feed of the network. In addition, many local stations carry syndicated programs that they may not have the rights to offer online. There are also rights issues regarding sports highlights that appear in local news and even music rights.
According to the official Disney/ABC press release: “The launch of WATCH ABC follows the successful rollout of three authenticated WATCH Disney services — WATCH Disney Channel, WATCH Disney XD and WATCH Disney Junior — in June 2012. Downloaded nearly 15 million times since their debut, the three WATCH Disney products provide authenticated users with both access to live, linear network streams as well as an extensive offering of advantaged window “on demand” episodes. In addition to WATCH ABC and the WATCH Disney services, Disney Media Networks offers WatchESPN, an authenticated 24/7 live stream of six networks, including all of ESPN’s sports and studio shows. Plans are also in place to roll out WATCH ABC Family in early 2014.”
So soap fans, what do you think of the having an app to allow you to watch everything on network television as it happens on the go? Would you watch General Hospital that way? Let us know!
General Hospital
GH’s Chad Duell and Y&R’s Courtney Hope Tie the Knot in Steampunk Style Wedding in Front of Castmates and Loved Ones
Overnight, images began to circulate, as well as plenty of congratulations abound, for General Hospital’s Chad Duell (Michael) and The Young and the Restless’ Courtney Hope (Sally) as the two officially became husband and wife on Saturday night.
As we previously reported, the couple were set for their nuptials this weekend, and from what has been posted, Chad and Courtney had a steampunk-themed and styled wedding, and both wore red.
Many of their castmates and colleagues were in attendance including: General Hospital’s Maurice Benard (Sonny,), Laura Wright (Carly), Wes Ramsey (Peter), Eden McCoy (Josslyn), Katelyn MacMullen (Willow), and series executive producer, Frank Valentini, The Bold and the Beautiful’s Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke), Annika Noelle (Hope), Patrika Darbo (Ex-Shirley) and Katrina Bowden (Flo), and The Young and the Restless’ Tracey Bregman (Lauren), Hunter King (Ex-Summer), and more.
The outdoor evening nuptials held in Malibu, California were shares on Courtney Hope’s Instagram story, and Laura Wright also posted several photos of the attendees on her IG.
Photo: Pinterest/IG
Pictured with Eden McCoy and Wes Ramsey, Wright enthused on the big night for her TV son, Chad Duell: “Tonight was an amazing night #TilDeath #GHBaby #Dope #Daytimefamily #steampunk”
In addition, Katherine Kelly Lang posted the first dance of newlyweds, Chad and Courtney, on her IG.
Now, share your congratulations to Chad and Courtney via the comment section below.
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Breaking News
Stars React to Alec Baldwin Fatally Shooting Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins & Injuring Director, Joel Souza, In Prop Gun Mishap On Set of ‘Rust’
UPDATED: Over the last 24 hours, the entertainment world has been stunned, by the horrific incident that took place on the set of the western drama Rust, while it was shooting scenes in New Mexico.
What is known is that Alec Baldwin (Ex-The Doctors, Knots Landing) discharged a prop gun that killed Director of Photography, Halyna Hutchins and injured director, Joel Souza. The film also stars Frances Fisher (Ex-Edge of Night) and Jensen Ackles (Ex-Days of our Lives). Baldwin is also a producer on the film.
Photo: Getty
According to Variety, the prop gun contained a “live single round,” according to an email sent by IATSE Local 44 to its membership.
On Friday, Alec Baldwin made a statement via Twitter on his Hilaria and Alec Baldwin Foundation Twitter feed, expressing: “There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother and deeply admired colleague of ours. I’m fully cooperating with the police investigation to address how this tragedy occurred and am in touch with her husband, offering my support to him and his family. My heart is broken for her husband, their son, and all who knew and loved Halyna.”
Yesterday, The Sante Fe Sheriff’s Departments originally shared that “Hutchins, 42, and Souza, 48 were shot when a prop firearm was discharged by Alec Baldwin. Ms. Hutchins was transported, via helicopter, to University of New Mexico Hospital where she was pronounced dead by medical personnel. Mr. Souza was transported by ambulance to Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical center where he was undergoing treatment for his injuries. This investigation remains open and active. No charges have been filed in regard to this incident. Witnesses continue to be interviewed by detectives.”
This morning, Frances Fisher revealed in a twitter conversation with Patricia Arquette, that director Joel Souza had been released from the hospital. Meanwhile, photographs of a distraught Baldwin emerged following the shooting.
Photo: New Mexican
The news of the Baldwin prop gun incident, isn’t the first time something like this has happened. Jon-Erik Hexum was killed on October 18, 1984, on the set of the TV show Cover Up when he accidentally shot himself in the head with a gun loaded with blanks. Then, in 1993, Brandon Lee, the son of martial arts legend Bruce Lee, died from a prop gun accident on the set of The Crow by a cast member.
As the news made its way through the entertainment community and mainstream news, several soap stars shared their reactions to the fatal shooting accident.
General Hospital’s Jon Lindstrom (Kevin/Ryan) expressed: “Feeling so sad for everyone involved in the tragedy on the #RustMovie set. I do know the film was staffed with experienced, thoughtful professionals. Please, let’s wait until we have the facts. Nothing positive will come from passing judgement or casting aspersions before then.”
General Hospital and Dynasty’s Emma Samms (Holly, Fallon) shared on her friend Jon-Erik Hexum’s death: This AWFUL tragedy on #Rust is unfathomable to me. If all on-set protocols were being adhered to, how, on earth, could it have happened? After what happened to Brandon Lee and my dear friend Jon-Erik Hexam, the firearm protocols became incredibly strict. I was told (when I was with him at the hospital afterwards) that Jon-Erik had been working with a completely empty gun all morning. A blank (still very dangerous) was loaded and then immediately there was a delay. Exhausted, he was allowed to fall asleep – loaded gun in hand. hey woke him, but there was immediately another delay. Jon-Erik put the gun to his head, forgetting it now contained a blank, (because he had just woken up) and jokingly pulled the trigger. He was not the kind of person to play around with a loaded gun. #fortherecord”
We will continue to post reactions and update this story.
What are your thoughts on the fatal shooting on the set of Rust? Comment below. How can this not happen again, so everyone is safe in this working environment when ‘dangerous’ props are called for or used to make a movie or a TV show?
General Hospital
Courtney Hope Gets Marriage Advice From Her Y&R Co-Stars Ahead of Her Wedding to GH’s Chad Duell
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Jensen Ackles Shares Heartfelt Message on Death of ‘Rust’ DP Halyna Hutchins: “This Has Been a Tragedy of Epic Proportions”
GH’s Chad Duell and Y&R’s Courtney Hope Tie the Knot in Steampunk Style Wedding in Front of Castmates and Loved Ones
DAYS Billy Flynn and Wife Gina Comparetto Expecting Their First Child
‘Days of our Lives’ to Honor James Reynolds’ 40th Anniversary as Abe Carver with Special Episode
Stars React to Alec Baldwin Fatally Shooting Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins & Injuring Director, Joel Souza, In Prop Gun Mishap On Set of ‘Rust’
Courtney Hope Gets Marriage Advice From Her Y&R Co-Stars Ahead of Her Wedding to GH’s Chad Duell
Pluto TV Launches Soap Channel with B&B and Y&R Dedicated Episodes
GH’s Chad Duell and Y&R’s Courtney Hope Tie the Knot in Steampunk Style Wedding in Front of Castmates and Loved Ones
Pluto TV Launches Soap Channel with B&B and Y&R Dedicated Episodes
Stars React to Alec Baldwin Fatally Shooting Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins & Injuring Director, Joel Souza, In Prop Gun Mishap On Set of ‘Rust’
Courtney Hope Gets Marriage Advice From Her Y&R Co-Stars Ahead of Her Wedding to GH’s Chad Duell
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: What Did You Think of Victoria and Ashland’s Wedding? (PHOTOS)
DAYS Billy Flynn and Wife Gina Comparetto Expecting Their First Child
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TODAY: B&B’s Kimberlin Brown and Sean Kanan Guest on ‘The Talk’
Courtney Hope Gets Marriage Advice From Her Y&R Co-Stars Ahead of Her Wedding to GH’s Chad Duell
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General HospitalOctober 24, 2021GH’s Chad Duell and Y&R’s Courtney Hope Tie the Knot in Steampunk Style Wedding in Front of Castmates and Loved Ones
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NewsOctober 19, 2021Pluto TV Launches Soap Channel with B&B and Y&R Dedicated Episodes
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Breaking NewsOctober 22, 2021Stars React to Alec Baldwin Fatally Shooting Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins & Injuring Director, Joel Souza, In Prop Gun Mishap On Set of ‘Rust’
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General HospitalOctober 21, 2021Courtney Hope Gets Marriage Advice From Her Y&R Co-Stars Ahead of Her Wedding to GH’s Chad Duell
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PhotosOctober 17, 2021THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: What Did You Think of Victoria and Ashland’s Wedding? (PHOTOS)
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Days Of Our LivesOctober 23, 2021DAYS Billy Flynn and Wife Gina Comparetto Expecting Their First Child
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Days Of Our LivesOctober 22, 2021‘Days of our Lives’ to Honor James Reynolds’ 40th Anniversary as Abe Carver with Special Episode
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NewsOctober 18, 2021Melissa Claire Egan Teases Her Return to Y&R: “Chelsea’s Missed You All!! Excited to be Back in Genoa City Soon”
Haven’t watched ABC since they canceled AMC and OLTL! If I don’t watch it on my TV I most certainly won’t be down loading their App!
Ditto! Losers!
Not if it meant that my GH would change in any way that effected the characters, the actors, or the integrity of the show I have watched since 1965. If I still had my hour long show, and I could see it live on the network, and it would count towards the ratings for GH then yes.
Still boycotting ABC. Love the news about Susan Lucci being in the Smithsonian!
We cancelled our cable last week, because $150 a month for internet and cable was just crazy. We’re only using a Roku, and it would make sense for ABC to step into the 21st century and make this “Watch ABC” app AD-SUPPORTED instead of making it available only to those homes with cable, but they’re not logical enough to understand that.
I shut off my then about to be $50/mo cable in mid 2008. Haven’t missed it, except for going thru withdrawals for OLTL and GH, which I watched when I could or online at lunchtime at work. But I didn’t miss those $50 bills one bit! And I just got high speed internet, but I just had it added to my regular landline phone bill – it was wayyyyy cheaper than those bundles. They try to make it such a big deal to have it all bundled and “on one bill”… well my internet and phone are still on one… Read more »
Isn’t this just like abc day player?
ABC/Disney is doing some innovated thinghs these days..
They were the first to have prime time soaps of value that were busting cjharts, and still are..
Now they are aiming at millions who do there viewing on-line..
CBS tried to do the prime time soaps but they were not near a great as ABC’s and some didn’t make it..
I know some are still boycotting ABC, and ABC does not notice or give a damn about them lol and they are missing out on some really great prime time viewing/soaps..
It is the boycotter’s loss not ABC’s … lol (ABC wins on that one)
We know that ABC does not care that we boycott them. We do it because it makes us feel better. There is no loss to me because there is nothing worth watching on ABC.
I respectfully disagree. I’m boycotting ABC and I’m not missing a thing.
I choose to not watch abc and could care less what they think about it. I have found that I do not miss them.
Sorry, abc does not win on that one.
Um, not really. If they aren’t losing then why do they need an APP now that PP already went to internet. Why watch any of their shows when they will just cancel them anyway, regardless of what their fans want?
You people who are boycotting ABC are just so adorable. I wish people like you would focus your attention on important things like cancer research and the like. As for your comment CeCe, ABC is quite logical – they make much more money from the cable/satellite companies than they would from app advertising
Glad you find us ‘adorable’. But you have absolutely NO idea what else we may be focusing our attention on. Very insulting.
Takes no time on my part to boycott ABC.
Other AJ,
So boycotting ABC is a waste of time that could be spent on cancer research.. so WATCHING ABC is what? Saving the rain forest or serving the greater good?
GH people get so offended that we won’t watch ABC, and therefore, not supporting their soap. GH will be cancelled soon enuff, and these same people defending ABC are gonna look like fools for sticking up for them when they have said the soap genre is dead.
The future of TV is on the internet.. AMC and OLTL are leading the way!
I first watched Santa Barbara. It was canceled. I didn’t boycott NBC. Shows are canceled all the time. It’s business. I understand that networks are in business to make money. I get over cancellations and get on with my life.
Think how much Cancer research you could have done while typing this condescending crap!
This app doesn’t sound groundbreaking to me. I watch GH on hulu or abc.com or I dvr GH (the only ABC show I watch) and watch at MY convenience.
Still hatin’ ABC. Loving OLTL & AMC on hulu.
Me neither, who doesn’t have a App these days. Only ABC would theirs is groundbreaking.
This will not make me watch abc/d any more than I already do.
This is good news for #GH fans. I still won’t watch ABC (except for GH). I still can’t forgive them for cancelling #OLTL & #AMC. They are trying to court us, but for me, IT WON’T WORK!!! #ElephantsMemory
I see there’s more than one AJ.. guess I need a more unique moniker.
how ’bout Pickle AJ? 🙂
i just record to DVD when I’m on vacation… same as when I’m at work and watch later. And it’s on free TV – antenna and they do not count me… but sometimes I watch GH online, but it’s still in the evening, so live stream doesn’t interest me. I actually prefer to watch it ‘not live’ cuz then I can fast forward thru parts I don’t care about. I’m not surprised they are doing this, but they obviously missed the boat time wise. Just think if they had done this 2-3 years ago and instead of cancelling shows, they… Read more »