Apple pushing for $1 TV shows, networks reluctant...

Jonny Evans
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January 26, 2010
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Apple is reported to be attempting to secure a better deal for iTunes-using TV show customers, pushing for lower prices from TV networks.

The Financial Times reports the company to be pushing for shows to cost $1 - half the current cost.

Apple is trying to convince networks that lowering prices would increase sales, thereby making up for any loss in revenue they'd see from the cut. Networks are resisting this attempt - despite DVD prices being considerably lower, for the most part.

The iTunes store delivered a record breaking quarter with strong sales of music, video and apps., execs confirmed last night. The App Store has seen more than 3 billion downloads to date in 77 countries.

“Regarding the app store and the iTunes stores we are running those a bit over break even and that hasn’t changed,” said CFO, Peter Oppenheimer.

In related news, Apple has also signed what could be a key European deal to enable extension of music sales in Europe.

VIA: Business Insider

Comments (7)

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | January 26, 2010 - 7:38am

If iTunes had the shows that I wanted to watch at $.99 per episode, I would definitely buy them simply for the convenience of not having to remember to use bit torrent or RapidShare to download it and the pains associated with that (file renaming, low-quality, different qualities per episode, etc.).

Networks, realize the potential, please! The ONLY reason I download is because it's the fastest and most semi-convenient way for me to get the content I care about. Make it available through iTunes at an inexpensive rate (and allow us to buy the entire season beforehadn), and I would totally switch back to iTunes.

Dan (not verified) | January 26, 2010 - 8:14am

Personally, I could see myself spending much more money on iTunes if this was the case. If a season would only cost 15 dollars instead of 30, I would probably buy alot more of the episodes instead of streaming...

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | January 26, 2010 - 8:37am

For 99 cents a pop I would definitely buy all the episodes I'm happily downloading via Bittorrent right now. But since I'm living in Switzerland this is an utopia that needs another ten years to blossom. Heck, we can't even buy TV Shows in iTunes today.

The whole international licensing business really sucks and it leads to content delivery censorship and restrictions. I fear that I might not be able to buy English books for my iSlate-thingy if it's being announced tomorrow.

Bummer.

Brit (not verified) | January 26, 2010 - 9:09am

I would buy at least twenty times the amount of episodes I am buying now... easily.

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | January 26, 2010 - 9:29am

I agree. As sad as it sounds, $.99 makes a drastic difference in my purchasing consideration.

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | January 26, 2010 - 10:16am

Yeah, Apple should concentrate on their promise that came with my AppleTV: At least some buyable content. Here in Switzerland we'd love to have the chance for it and according to our iphone sales, this is clearly the Apple country in the world.

Well, on the other hand I could return my 2 yr old AppleTV, because a key product promise was not kept at all...

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | January 26, 2010 - 2:45pm

I agree with the previous post. .99 cents is the 'sweet' spot for most consumers. I would totally buy what I want, when I want at this nominal fee. Though it sounds strange, but 1.99 or 2.99 (HD) just does not seem worth consideration. At the higher costs, they seem like 'purchases', at the lower cost, it seems more like a 'convenience' item. same as buying a can of soda for a dollar even though i can buy a six pack at .25-.50 cents each. Consumerism is funny that way... Glad that Apple at least recognizes this!