Apple Rumoured to Be Producing Original TV Shows for iTunes Customers

Apple’s Eddy Cue has initiated talks with TV producers and Hollywood studios about developing original TV shows streamed exclusively to iTunes customers, according to a report that appeared on The Street. At the negotiation table we also find Robert Kondrk, vice-president of iTunes content, according to one of the sources.

Apple tv

The article is signed by Ronald Grover, the former Reuters and BusinessWeek Bureau Chief in Los Angeles. He joined Reuters in 2012 after more than 30 years with BusinessWeek covering media and entertainment.

According to Grover’s sources, Apple began talks with Hollywood’s creative community late last year, but as of now nothing has materialized. Apple’s plan is to have agreements in place so it can announce exclusive content for its Internet TV service rumoured to be launching in September when the iPhone 7 comes out, according to one of the sources.

So far, Netflix’s and Amazon’s business models works just great, so Apple would want to follow those examples, it seems. Amazon produces award-winning shows streamed to Prime customers, such as Transparent and Mozart in The Jungle.

Netflix licences shows such as House of Cards, Orange is the New Black, and Narcos from Hollywood producers, Grover highlights.

Rumours of an Apple web TV service gained traction last year ahead of the company’s annual WWDC conference. However, apparently the plan was put on hold, as Apple couldn’t convince media content owners to offer a skinny bundle of TV channels for up to $40 per month. It is worth mentioning that back then the sources didn’t mention anything about original programming.

Groven’s report comes shortly after rumours surfaced that Apple may be interested in acquiring Time Warner, which could give Apple exclusive rights to the popular HBO series Game of Thrones.

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