Inauguration: Disney/ABC will exclusively broadcast two events

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The Disney-ABC Television Group announced today that it has secured the exclusive rights to broadcast two presidential inaugural events that will be attended by President-elect Barack Obama and his family.

On Jan. 19, the night before Obama is sworn in, the Disney Channel will air “Kids Inaugural: We Are the Future,” a 90-minute concert in Washington honoring military families. Obama’s daughters, Malia and Sasha, are expected to attend the event.

On the night of the inauguration, ABC will turn over two hours of prime time to broadcast the first-ever “Neighborhood Inaugural Ball,” Obama’s first stop of the night. The new president and first lady plan to have their first dance of the night at the event, which will be held at the Washington Convention Center. Obama is also expected to make remarks. The ball will feature performances by top-shelf artists, ABC said in a news release.

Earlier this week, the Presidential Inaugural Committee announced that HBO will exclusively air a special celebration Sunday night that will kick off the inaugural festivities. Both Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden will attend the 90-minute “We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial.” HBO has agreed to televise the event on an open signal so that anyone with access to cable or satellite television will be able to watch.

— Matea Gold