Apple is "in talks with programmers to offer a slimmed-down bundle of TV networks this fall," according to sources cited by Hagey, Ramachandran & Wakabayashi of the WALL STREET JOURNAL. The sources said that the service "would have about 25 channels, anchored by broadcasters such as ABC, CBS and Fox and would be available on Apple devices such as the Apple TV." The talks at this point "don’t involve NBCUniversal, owner of the NBC broadcast network and cable channels like USA and Bravo." Apple also has been "talking" to Disney, CBS and Fox, "among other media companies." The idea is to "offer consumers a 'skinny' bundle with well-known channels like CBS, ESPN and FX, while leaving out the many smaller networks in the standard cable TV package." Sources said that they "believed Apple was aiming to price the service at about $30 to $40 a month." Sources also noted that Apple is "aiming to announce its new service in June and launch it in September" (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 3/17). CNBC’s Jim Cramer said of the concept, "Are you kidding me? You’re not going to have NBC? ... You’re not going to have 'Sunday Night Football?'" Cramer: "Obviously, if you’re a cable company, this is what you’ve been most fearful of. But the cable companies are very resourceful. Don’t write them off” (“Squawk on the Street,” CNBC, 3/17).
NBC GOING TO BE A PART? CNBC’s Julia Boorstin said, "As for the reports that there's bad blood between Comcast and Apple, my sources tell me that's not true. But it is possible that Apple is waiting to negotiate its deal with NBCUniversal and Comcast until it has all of its other deals worked out. Why? It’s because the terms of Comcast's acquisition of NBCUniversal -- CNBC's parent company -- state that if all of NBC's competitors are participating in an internet TV service then NBCUniversal could be compelled to participate as well” (“Squawk Alley,” CNBC, 3/17).
