ABC TV streaming in Triangle now requires viewers be paid TV subscribers

Disney is facing one of the first big tests of its WatchABC app as customers who have enjoyed free live viewing on their mobile devices of its WTVD affiliate in Durham.

“Starting July 1, 2013, simply verify your eligible TV provider subscription for continued access to the Live Stream,” ABC’s WatchABC website explains.

“There’s no extra charge, it’s included with your eligible TV subscription services.”

Local ABC stations in New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Philadelphia also have to show they are pay TV subscribers, according to The Associated Press.

Since the middle of May, anyone who downloaded the app in New York and Philadelphia could catch live local broadcasts from Disney-owned ABC stations.

Now they have to enter the username and passwords they use to access online tools from their cable provider.

Participating providers are Comcast, Cablevision, Cox, Charter, Midcontinent and AT&T.