Apple and NBC ended their yearlong spat today. Shows from NBC and some of its cable networks will return to Apple’s iTunes store, one full year after NBC defected from Apple in a public dispute over pricing.
Apple CEO Steve Jobs made the announcement today in San Francisco at an Apple event.
The shows will be available at the usual price of $1.99 per episode. NBC also will offer shows in hi-def at $2.99 per episode from the broadcast network as well as USA Network, Sci Fi, Bravo, Sleuth and NBC News. Episodes of some vintage shows, such as “The A-Team,” “Kojak” and the original “Battlestar Galactica” will be available for 99 cents per episode.
Programming from NBC Universal cable networks Oxygen, Telemundo, Mun2 and NBC Sports is expected to join the iTunes lineup soon.
NBC’s return to iTunes underscores Apple’s power in the online video marketplace. According to the Associated Press, iTunes now has 65 million customers.
“The return of our shows to iTunes is terrific news for everyone who loves television and the ease and convenience of Apple’s iTunes,” said Jeff Zucker, president-CEO of NBC Universal. “And now, by offering consumers a variety of new options, our fans have even more ways to enjoy our content.”
Apple CEO Steve Jobs said, “We are thrilled that NBC is back on iTunes in time for the fall TV season.”
The premiere episodes of upcoming NBC shows such as “Knight Rider,” “My Own Worst Enemy” and “Kath & Kim” will be available on iTunes a week before their broadcast premieres, with subsequent episodes available the day after broadcast.
Click here to read what J.B. Perrette, president of digital distribution at NBC Universal, told TelevisionWeek about the deal during a phone interview after an Apple event in San Francisco.
NBC Series Returning to Apple’s iTunes
Sep 9, 2008 • Post A Comment
But what’s missing from this article…. is did NBC get something in return or did they “cave” to return to the iTunes fold?
TVWeek…. your credibility takes a “ding” here. Don’t just publish “press releases!” Give us perspective! NBC left iTunes because they wanted to offer NBC-packaged pricing (like an “NBC pass” for multiple shows or higher pricing for it’s hits). Did they get it? Did Apple give it?
Or did NBC decide that the old deal was good enough reason to return? Did they negotiate higher payment for returning?
Even if you don’t have the answer at press time… you need to state the questions that remain unanswered. 🙁
Please follow up on this!
– Mike
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