Twitter inks over 30 deals with Walt Disney, NBC Universal and Viacom

The new deals may help Twitter compete better against larger rivals, including Facebook Inc., that are also investing heavily in live-streaming and video

Twitter inked more than 30 deals with publishers including Walt Disney and NBCUniversal to beef up its video offerings with more news, entertainment and sports.

NBCUniversal, part of Comcast, agreed to distribute live video and clips on Twitter through its media properties, including NBC News, MSNBC and E! News. Viacom is creating new show formats including “BET Breaks” that focuses on the African American perspective on pop culture and another named “Comedy Central’s Creator’s Room,” a satirical take on trending news in pop culture.

Disney is working with Twitter to create live sports programming and other content for the social-media service. An