Disney pulls plug on ABC1

Disney has pulled general entertainment channel ABC1 off the air earlier than expected.

Previous reports had indicated that the channel would be pulled next month, but at noon today - 3 years exactly since it launched - ABC1 ceased broadcasting on cable, satellite and digital terrestrial.

The channel initially launched on Freeview but was unable to secure primetime broadcasting hours due to capacity constraints. It later became available on cable and, in 2005, Sky, but Disney executive VP and managing director for Europe John Hardie earlier this month cited a focus on the Disney, rather than ABC, brand as well as the lack of a primetime window on Freeview as reasons to close the channel.