Les Moonves, longtime chief executive of broadcasting giant CBS, said on Wednesday that his company will "probably" sign on to Apple's forthcoming streaming television offering.
During an appearance at Re/code's Code Conference, Moonves indicated that he has met with Apple software and services chief Eddy Cue about the new offering, and said that the two companies are engaged in an "ongoing conversation." There is no word as to the extent of those talks.
"We're very excited about it," Moonves said, referring to Apple's plans.
Apple is thought to be deep into the development of a new live streaming service that would bundle traditional television content for distribution over the internet. Recent reports have suggested that the company would like to include live local broadcasts as well, but is having difficulty securing the requisite content licenses.
Apple could announce the new service, alongside a potentially revamped Apple TV, as soon as next month's Worldwide Developers Conference. Apple CEO Tim Cook will take the stage on June 8 at 10 a.m. Pacific to kick off the annual event.
23 Comments
CBS Sports' multi-streaming coverage of The Masters (PGA) has been top-notch for several years now. If they can maintain that level of quality across the board, more power to 'em.
It's interesting that he would say that he's "excited about it". Since they're in negotiations, I would think that he would be a bit more reserved. But, this is good, even if he said "probably". That's a negotiating tactic too. I remember that CBS was the last of the networks to have an iOS app, so this is a good sign, and a major reason why Apple is making up the loss from yesterday's overall market fiasco.
Did hell just freeze over?
The LAST thing I would ever do is pay Apple $30-$40 a month for some TV package service!!! At that point might as well sign up with Cable and get more channels. I'm sure not going to pay CBS the $6 a month they want for their stuff. I will continue to grab most of my content for FREE with my Antenna!!!! All 100% Legal, in HD and 5.1 surround sound!!!
The LAST thing I would ever do is pay Apple $30-$40 a month for some TV package service!!! At that point might as well sign up with Cable and get more channels. I'm sure not going to pay CBS the $6 a month they want for their stuff. I will continue to grab most of my content for FREE with my Antenna!!!! All 100% Legal, in HD and 5.1 surround sound!!!
Glad an antenna works for you and allows you to get what you would watch. Antenna doesn't work for many people and offers very limited content to many.