Apple TV Streaming Service Likely To Get CBS, Hints Network CEO

It seems development on Apple's highly rumored, long-awaited steaming TV service is still making progress, and is likely to sign at least one of the US's larger television networks. Les Moonves, the CEO of CBS, spoke to Bloomberg in an interview this week, saying that his network would "probably" reach a deal with Apple when the time comes. Hopefully this means some of the network's most popular shows will be easily accessible to owners of the Apple TV.

Previous rumors indicated that Apple's streaming television service was intended to launch this year alongside the new Apple TV hardware that debuted in September. However, due to the inability to reach deals with a number of content providers, the service was once again delayed, and is now believed to be targeted for launch in 2016.

During Moonves' interview with Bloomberg, the CEO commented that Apple has been speaking with many networks, CBS included, and that when the time comes they will "probably" reach a deal.

"Apple is having conversations with everyone about doing their own streaming services," Moonves said in an interview Wednesday on Bloomberg TV. "We have had those conversations, as have the other networks. Do I think something will happen? Probably, but I do not know when."

Moonves made similar comments five months ago, adding that he had met with Apple's Eddy Cue for discussions on the service, and that CBS was "excited" to be involved.

As is often the case when negotiating with several content providers for a new streaming service, the main reason for holdups is believed to be the price. It is believed that Apple has been aiming for a price of around $40 per month for customers, in order to truly compete with cable TV providers, however networks have been pushing back, saying the price is too low.

SOURCE Bloomberg