Everything we’ve heard about Apple’s long-rumored online television service recently has been about how the company is struggling to get content providers to sign on, but now we know at least one of them is ready to do so. Les Moonves, the CEO of CBS, announced yesterday that his company will more then likely be signing a deal with Apple very soon, one that will allow the company to stream CBS shows on its online television service. Moonves also confirmed that Apple is talking with a bunch of other content providers as well, but from what we can tell, those talks haven’t gone very well.
Chief executive officer of CBS Les Moonves said on Wednesday that the network will likely strike a deal to let Apple stream its shows. His comment comes as Apple aims to release its live TV subscription service next year. During an interview with Bloomberg TV, Moonves said: “Apple is having conversations with everyone about doing their own streaming services. We have had those conversations, as have the other networks. Do I think something will happen? Probably, but I do not know when.” Commenting on the potential content deal, Keith Zubchevich, chief strategy officer of online video optimization firm Conviva, said that Apple will need to deliver experience excellence in order to succeed in the video space. “As Apple continues plans to provide a gateway to premium content without taking on the burden of delivery itself, those partners will gain from new distribution opportunities, but will need to place significant emphasis on managing the quality of the experience delivered,” he said. CBS, which airs shows including The Big Bang Theory and 2 Broke Girls, has its own subscription service called CBS All Access that costs $5.99 per month.
