Roger Fingas
CBS talks with Apple regarding a streaming TV service should lead to an agreement, though a timeline is uncertain, the network's CEO said in a Wednesday TV interview.
"Apple is having conversations with everyone about doing their own streaming services," Les Moonves told Bloomberg. "We have had those conversations, as have the other networks. Do I think something will happen? Probably, but I do not know when."
Apple was at one point rumored to be launching a service alongside the fourth-generation Apple TV set-top, but more recent reports have pointed to a delay into 2016. Talks with content providers have made little headway.
One sticking point is believed to be Apple's proposed subscription price, which would cost viewers about $40 per month. Media compnanies allegedly feel this is too low, even though one of the most popular streaming TV options — Sling TV — is charging as little as $20 per month.
CBS has been relatively open about a potential partnership with Apple. And Apple has been kind in return as well — one of the shows featured prominently in Apple TV marketing is the CBS vehicle The Big Bang Theory.
Other than that however, it's not known what content Apple's service might offer. The company has reportedly been trying to secure access to local channels, not just nationwide broadcasts, and might even take steps toward original programming, much like Amazon, Crackle, Netflix, or Hulu.
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35 Comments
I don't know what's going to happen, and I don't know if I'll be interested, but CBS is a big deal. They were the last major broadcast network to sign up for an app to see their shows. It's a big deal because they are, by far, the most popular broadcast network, and really, the most popular network, period. Even if some people here don't want to watch broadcast tv for their own reasons, most people do. If CBS signs up, that's a major victory, and will promp others to do so as well.
I hope if I ask my Apple TV to "find me some funny TV shows" The Big Bang Theory isn't listed. Dreadfully unfunny show that irritates the crap out of me.
[quote name="Mobius" url="/t/189425/cbs-will-probably-sign-deal-with-apple-for-streaming-tv-service-ceo-says#post_2791047"]I hope if I ask my Apple TV to "find me some funny TV shows" The Big Bang Theory isn't listed. Dreadfully unfunny show that irritates the crap out of me.[/quote] maybe Siri will learn your tastes over time if you can tag as such.
Here in the UK I think an HBO app would be key. As to UK providers I understand BBC is going to have iPlayer on there which will be a big deal here and so I'd expect ITV and 4 to be forced to follow suit. Most of what we'd then be missing are the HBO shows often currently shown on Sky Atlantic. [quote name="sog35" url="/t/189425/cbs-will-probably-sign-deal-with-apple-for-streaming-tv-service-ceo-says#post_2791045"] I disagree. I think NBC is the key. They will be the hardest to sign because they are part of Comcast which will be a direct competitor to Apple's TV services. This is the same reason CNBC constantly bashes Apple. [/quote]
[quote name="sog35" url="/t/189425/cbs-will-probably-sign-deal-with-apple-for-streaming-tv-service-ceo-says#post_2791049"] its funny. you aren't. [/quote] Thanks for that. I wasn't trying to be, but whatever. That show makes me want to drill holes in my eyeballs it's so lame.