Apple subscription television takes concrete shape
Apple's planned subscription television service is taking shape. According to US media reports, several TV stations have already signaled their interest in participating in the project and distributing their content via iTunes. For around 30 euros a month, users would then have access to television programs on demand.
The ABC and CBS networks are apparently among the broadcasters showing serious interest in cooperating with Apple. There are still no official statements on negotiations, and according to insider information, the people involved in the talks are not authorized to speak publicly about them. It is also said that the negotiations are still at an early stage.
ABC belongs to the Disney Group, which could also make the two cable channels ABC Family and Disney Channel available for Apple TV. CBS owns half of the TV network CW, which could also be brought on board. However, there have been no official statements from either of these parties to date.
"Apple is an innovative company that produces both software and hardware and optimally coordinates both sides. I can imagine that the convergence of the web, TV and cell phones in particular will make such a service a success," Manfred Bobrowsky, Professor at the Vienna Institute for Journalism and Communication Studies, told Pressetext. Subscription television, adapted to individual user needs, is very much in demand today. Due to the oversupply of media content, pre-selection is becoming increasingly important for users.
Rupert Murdoch's News Corp and Turner Broadcasting, the owner of CNN, are apparently less euphoric about Apple's subscription TV plans. The companies are worried about their main business of paid cable programs. With broadband Internet subscriptions, there is a risk that consumers will migrate and no longer pay for traditional TV bundles.
ABC belongs to the Disney Group, which could also make the two cable channels ABC Family and Disney Channel available for Apple TV. CBS owns half of the TV network CW, which could also be brought on board. However, there have been no official statements from either of these parties to date.
"Apple is an innovative company that produces both software and hardware and optimally coordinates both sides. I can imagine that the convergence of the web, TV and cell phones in particular will make such a service a success," Manfred Bobrowsky, Professor at the Vienna Institute for Journalism and Communication Studies, told Pressetext. Subscription television, adapted to individual user needs, is very much in demand today. Due to the oversupply of media content, pre-selection is becoming increasingly important for users.
Rupert Murdoch's News Corp and Turner Broadcasting, the owner of CNN, are apparently less euphoric about Apple's subscription TV plans. The companies are worried about their main business of paid cable programs. With broadband Internet subscriptions, there is a risk that consumers will migrate and no longer pay for traditional TV bundles.
