CBS 'excited' about Apple's rumored web television service, CEO says
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I don't use an antenna but I do agree with you. I don't see what the big deal is about a skinny down cable package over the internet. Most likely it's going to be missing a channel I watch frequently. I might as well then just pay for traditional cable or satellite. Right now I have DirecTV service which has an iOS app that even allows some channels to stream live over the internet. The number of channels right now is limited but I'm sure if DirecTV had the rights to offer them all they would. I hope Apple is keeping all the good stuff about ?TV a secret as what we've heard about so far is a big yawn.
Did hell just freeze over?
My thoughts exactly.
I hope Apple plays hard this time and signs exclusives deals.
What's the difference between SyFy and Fox News??
Netflix PQ is better than Rogers here in Canada. I'm sure Apple's offerings will also be better.
Exactly, OMG the interface on traditional TV cable or network is a nightmare One day soon, hopefully, the very concept of 'live TV' as in 'your weekly show at 8 p.m.' will be gone. The Netflix or Amazon Prime streaming is the only way to go. Give me the whole season right away, the only decision need be 'to binge or not to binge'. It's not as if these series are made weekly!
Local recording is archaic for most folks these days and as to 'live' ... The only use I can see for so called live TV is breaking news, weather and such like. Plus, give users the choice to pay (like Netflix model) with no ads or free with ads.
What a question! The difference? SyFy (Sci-Fi) shows admit it is all made up!
For $6 a month you get a lot more than just the OTA broadcast.
Not quite. Many shows are now incorporating social media as they air. You'll be surprised how many people tweet as The Walking Dead is airing. It's literally a huge viewing party, but from the comfort of your home. There's actually people on the west coast that watch the east coast feed just to take part of it.
Plus you might see a little science on SyFy.
That's very true, look how much of Star Trek's imaginings ended up not only coming to be but also lead scientists to try to make it so Number One.
So what stops this from happening by a joint agreement to all watch the stream at the same time? They need to be limited by a cable company to the time? That seems a little zombie esque ... oh wait a minute ...
Granted, you will need a Apple TV but that should not cost much and is a 1 time up front cost.