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ABC is the first network to do a deal with Apple to allow US viewers to download episodes of shows like Lost.

The unions already have agreements that cover the re-use of their work on the internet or in "pay-per-view" models, such as video on demand.

Under the Writers Guild of America agreement, writers are entitled to 1.6% of the licence fee paid by networks to the producers of a show, while actors are entitled to 3.6%.

A conflict could arise if studios decide to treat the internet downloads the same as they do a DVD sale, which might result in lower payments.

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