Fox agreement clears path for TV on Web

Fox network has signed a six-year agreement with its affiliates to allow it to offer reruns of its television programs [subscription required] on the internet. The Wall Street Journal reports that the revenue-sharing agreement allows Fox to make 60 percent of its prime-time schedule available online the morning after the shows air; the agreement gives affiliate stations a 12.5 percent cut of all profits, but does specify the revenue model the network will persue, according to the report. Home to hits such as "American Idol" and "The Simpsons," News Corp.'s network is looking to define its internet strategy, following Walt Disney's decision earlier this week to offer some of its most popular shows, including "Desperate Housewives" and "Lost," for free using free ad-sponsored revenue model as a complement to its offerings on Apple's iTunes, where the shows are available for $1.99 per episode or in a Season Pass bundle. Other networks have also experimented with internet-based delivery, including CBS Corp's successful ad-sponsored and iTunes offerings of "March Madness" NCAA Men's basketball games and NBC's pay-per-episode model via iTunes.

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