Media Networks
Cable Networks

ABC Family, now in 91 million American homes, also had great success this year pairing compelling content with multiple platforms to reach viewers. The summer hit Kyle XY is one example of this innovative strategy in action. Produced by Touchstone Television, the first episode of the new series was provided free on Apple’s iTunes the week before its premiere to drive viewership. ABC Family aired Kyle XY on Monday nights, where it quickly became the highest-rated original series in the channel’s history. The ABC Television Network then broadcast each episode as part of its summer primetime schedule on Fridays, and episodes were then made available for purchase on iTunes and offered free with ads on the ABCFamily.com broadband site the following day. This cross-platform strategy drove record numbers of viewers to the show on ABC Family, making the season finale of Kyle XY the channel’s most watched original series telecast of all time.

In 2006, SOAPnet also used both traditional and non-traditional platforms to better serve soap opera fans. One of the fastest growing basic cable channels, SOAPnet expanded its reach by 17% year-over-year, and can now be found in more than 53 million homes. With the addition of The Young and the Restless to its line-up this year, the channel now airs the five top-rated soaps from all broadcast networks. In partnership with ABC Daytime, SOAPnet launched SOAPNETIC, a new broadband service featuring a video-rich site that covers all nine daytime soaps with clips, exclusive content, interviews and behind-the-scenes peeks. In addition to strengthening the channel’s relationship with soap fans, SOAPNETIC also gives SOAPnet and ABC Daytime a great place to experiment with content to help continue the evolution of soaps.

By leveraging the Company’s strategic priorities, the Cable Networks Group has expanded its reach and now delivers high-quality content to more people in more ways than ever before.