Apple
Walt Disney Co.s ABC is also holding discussions with Apple, the Wall Street Journal reported yesterday. The talks are preliminary and an accord may not be reached, said the person, who sought anonymity because negotiations are private.
The service would give iPod and iPhone users an alternative to buying downloads through Apples iTunes service. Apple wants to introduce the subscription product next year, the Wall Street Journal reported. Owners of Apple TV, a device that allows iTunes media files to be viewed in living rooms, would be able to buy subscriptions to TV shows, the person said.
Apple doesnt comment on rumor or speculation, Tom Neumayr, a spokesman, said in an interview. Gil Schwartz, a spokesman for CBS, didnt respond to requests for comment, nor did Kevin Brockman, a spokesman for ABC.
Apple offers more than 50,000 TV episodes for sale, the Cupertino, California-based company said in October. Prices range from 99 cents to $2.99. ITunes sells passes that allow users buy an entire seasons worth of shows, for example $49.99 for the first season of Foxs “Glee.”
CBS Corp., based in New York, may offer programs from both its CBS and CW networks, the Wall Street Journal reported. CW, a joint venture between CBS and Time Warner Inc.s Warner Bros., airs shows including “Gossip Girl” and “Vampire Diaries.”
Disney may include programs from its ABC, Disney Channel and ABC Family networks, the Wall Street Journal said. The company was the first to sell shows and films on iTunes. Apple Chief Executive Steve Jobs is Disneys biggest individual shareholder and a director.
CBS rose 3 cents to $13.90 yesterday in New York Stock Exchange composite trading. Disney, based in Burbank, California, rose 45 cents to $32.40. Apple climbed $2.80 to $198.23 in Nasdaq Stock Market trading.