CBS, NBC round out 'big four' networks on Apple TV, exclusive M2M channel also debuts
Apple on Tuesday added streaming options for the last two of the "big four" U.S. broadcast networks -- CBS and NBC -- to the Apple TV lineup, as well as an entirely new, exclusive fashion channel dubbed M2M.

CBS, which is the most-watched network in the U.S. featuring hits like "The Big Bang Theory" and "NCIS," includes access to the CBS All Access subscription service. It costs $5.99 per month and allows viewing of current primetime shows, leading datytime and late-night CBS programming, and thousands of episodes from the network's library of classics.
CBS All Access also includes live TV streaming in select major markets, where the network owns and operates the over-the-air station.
NBC, meanwhile, requires users to log in with their cable provider credentials to view most content on the Apple TV. The arrival of NBC and CBS rounds out the big four broadcast networks on Apple TV, joining established apps from Fox and ABC.
Finally, the new "Made2Measure" or M2M network is also available on Apple TV, and exclusively on Apple's set-top[ box. The digital fashion network is an upstart from WME/IMG.
The three new channel options arrive just days before the fourth-generation Apple TV, with a dedicated App Store, will be available to order. CBS, NBC and M2M are all instantly available on both the second- and third-generation Apple TV.

CBS, which is the most-watched network in the U.S. featuring hits like "The Big Bang Theory" and "NCIS," includes access to the CBS All Access subscription service. It costs $5.99 per month and allows viewing of current primetime shows, leading datytime and late-night CBS programming, and thousands of episodes from the network's library of classics.
The fourth-generation Apple TV will go on sale next Monday, Oct. 26, but second- and third-gen owners can access CBS All Access, NBC & M2M right now.
CBS All Access also includes live TV streaming in select major markets, where the network owns and operates the over-the-air station.
NBC, meanwhile, requires users to log in with their cable provider credentials to view most content on the Apple TV. The arrival of NBC and CBS rounds out the big four broadcast networks on Apple TV, joining established apps from Fox and ABC.
Finally, the new "Made2Measure" or M2M network is also available on Apple TV, and exclusively on Apple's set-top[ box. The digital fashion network is an upstart from WME/IMG.
The three new channel options arrive just days before the fourth-generation Apple TV, with a dedicated App Store, will be available to order. CBS, NBC and M2M are all instantly available on both the second- and third-generation Apple TV.
Comments
So near, but yet so far. CBS is only live streaming in several major markets and NBC requires you to subscribe to cable. What I really want is the ability to abandon cable. Comcast is the corporate embodiment of the devil.
I already abandoned cable a year ago. If I can't watch it on Netflix, Hulu, or iTunes...I don't bother.
It would be nice however, to at least have the option of paying $x.99 a month for XYZ network...every once in a while I might see the need to subscribe to ABC, or ESPN for a month.
useless.
$6 for a channel I can for free with an OTA?
"useless" for you, for those with crappy to nonexistent OTA reception?
Notsomuch.
what do you watch on TV that isn't available on Netflix, Hulu?
I would abandon cable today if I had a way to watch live NFL/NBA.
I dropped Hulu+ or whatever it is called after I learned I still couldn't get Archer on it, and The League wasn't available either. Could care less about every other show that I'm not able to catch in real time OTA.
regardless, I have no idea who would pay for this. $6 for CBS is ridiculous
Maybe so, but the model is right.
If the market determines $6 for a month of CBS is ridiculous, the price will come down. Have to walk before we can run.
I just want the option to pay per month per channel. Worry about the price later.
NBA Live? That's what I use, streaming over a Chromecast. A VPN lets you get local teams too.
How much is your streaming performance affected by the VPN/Proxy?
regardless, I have no idea who would pay for this. $6 for CBS is ridiculous
Cheaper than someone paying cable at $100 per month, say, and watching maybe 6 changels.... so "ridiculous" isn't chiseled in granite, though maybe if you repeat the same thing another half dozen times...
to the extent this is the test of ala carte services it has promise.
"Yuck!" to all of it
I hope Siri will be aware of CBS and NBC shows. For me Siri will be one of the best features of the new AppleTV
The problem is the way networks work with local stations etc.
What would be the ideal would be these network channels free thru the Apple TV. The big addition would be the ability to watch last weeks episode etc. For this to work (ignoring the local tv station problem) would be for Apple to allow people to opt in to share some info with the network- demographic stuff. What this would mean is the ads would be so much more valuable to the networks. 25 year olds would get ads for beer and 65 year olds would get ads for prescription drugs. Also if you can watch a show that you missed that is more eye views for the advertiser. If you didn't want to share info you could pay some fee. But I am sure the majority of people would be happy to share their age gender and zip code for free tv.
Again the obstacle is the local station issue. This would cut them out.
Of course other problem is the Cable companies. I think due to deregulation they need to share their lines with a competitor. Problem most markets only have one company. What if Apple became an ISP. They use the Cable wires to deliver internet at a much cheaper price. They make money by selling the content on Apple TV.
VPN's are illegal? Not as far as I know. At the worst I'm breaking a rule of the NBA network guys rather than breaking the law. I'm paying for content and not stealing it. As for ESPN/TNT I covered that with Sling, biting the bullet for $20 despite my efforts to "cut cable" completely.
In Canada they've said as much as using a VPN to watch US-only content is stealing.
Not sure about using an in-country VPN or not