Fox to release broadcasts for download

Fox Broadcasting has announced that it will be releasing several prime-time television shows to the Internet. Shows like 24 and American Idol will be available for download after the regular program airs on television and in some cases, as soon as the next day.

While other networks, notably ABC, have beat Fox in offering downloadable shows, Fox seems to have negotiated a better deal with local affiliates. Fearing the loss of ad revenue, local stations limited how much programming ABC could offer for download.

Fox signed a six year deal that lets the company offer six hours of prime-time programming for download and the whole schedule by the third year of the contract. In addition, some of the shows will br available both on the Fox.com website and local affiliate websites.

The shows are expected to be available for download in the coming weeks.