Disney-ABC intros Stage 9 Digital Media unit

The Disney-ABC Television Group announced the launch of Stage 9 Digital Media, a new unit dedicated to the creation of original short-form programming. Stage 9 will make its bow via the comedy series Squeegees, which has its Toyota-sponsored premiere Feb. 28 on ABC.com and YouTube; from there, the studio has more than 20 comedies, dramas, animated series and reality programs in the pipeline, with programming slated for distribution across multiple digital platforms including mobile, online, social networks and download services. Stage 9 will also team with Disney-ABC International Television on global digital distribution.

"While the new media space is loaded with UGC, we feel the audience is missing the quality experience found in other forms of exhibition, and we are answering their need," said Stage 9 general manager Barry Jossen in a prepared statement. "This creative frontier gives us the opportunity to develop new franchises, discover and develop talent and, most importantly, expand the standard of excellence set by our parent company in creating superior episodic programming with great stories and production values."

For more on Stage 9 Digital Media:
- read this release [1]

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