Apple May Develop Original TV Shows Exclusively for iTunes and Streaming TV ServiceApple has met with TV producers and Hollywood studios about developing original TV shows to offer exclusively to its iTunes customers, according to
TheStreet. The article comes by way of independent contributor
Ronald Grover, a longtime entertainment business journalist who has previously covered the media and entertainment industry for
Reuters and
Bloomberg BusinessWeek.
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The original content could spearhead Apple's plans to launch its oft-rumored
streaming TV service, which has reportedly been
placed on hold due to the iPhone maker's
difficulties in securing content deals with owners like
CBS, ABC, Fox,
Disney, and
Viacom. The report, citing sources with knowledge of the matter, claims Apple could announce a cable-like offering alongside the iPhone 7 in September.
The Cupertino-based tech giant began sounding out Hollywood's creative community late last year, but has yet to sign any agreements, according to two people with knowledge of the overtures. One plan is to have deals in place so Apple can announce exclusive content as part of a cable-like offering in September, when it is expected to unveil its iPhone 7, said one of the people.
The original TV shows would presumably be available for rent or purchase on iTunes, and/or through a subscription-based service like Netflix that would provide on-demand access to unlimited programming for a set monthly cost. Apple's streaming TV service has been rumored to cost
between $30 and $40 per month, but that price was contingent upon a "skinny bundle" of TV channels rather than original programming.
Apple's discussions with Hollywood executives are being led by iTunes chief Eddy Cue, and Robert Kondrk, vice-president of iTunes content, according to the report. In a
recent interview, Cue said customers should be "able to buy whatever they want, however they want," and he used the App Store as an example of how Apple provides users with multiple ways to purchase content.
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Earlier this month, it was reported that Apple has shown interest in
acquiring Time Warner assets, which include CNN, HBO, TBS, TNT, NBA TV, Cartoon Network, its Warner Bros. movies division, and more. Gaining exclusive rights to the popular HBO series
Game of Thrones would certainly give Apple a head start on its streaming TV service, along with
Silicon Valley and other original programming.
Netflix, which collaborates with Hollywood on exclusive TV shows like
Daredevil,
House of Cards,
Jessica Jones, and
Orange is the New Black, has proven that original programming can be highly popular among consumers. Apple adopting a similar strategy could help bolster its own streaming TV service, which may be accessible on the web and devices like the Apple TV, Mac, iPad, and iPhone.
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Apple May Develop Original TV Shows Exclusively for iTunes and Streaming TV Service
