Apple is close to completing negotiations with the US's main networks on launching its own TV service, the New York Post said. “The platform is ready and it rocks,” one source told the paper. Apple’s discussions with ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox initially foundered over the company's desire to offer live TV channels. In the US though, the networks don't control the regional affiliates that send out their content. Apple asked the networks to obtain those rights, and the strategy appears to be paying off now, according to the report. The networks are close to having the right to negotiate with Apple on behalf of their affiliates, the sources added.
Those affiliate groups, which include Tribune and Sinclair, are being told by the networks that if they opt in and offer their feeds, they will be able to share in the added revenue the Apple streaming product will produce, sources told The Post. Disney or CBS will likely sign the first deal with Apple to launch a so-called skinny bundle. The main obstacle remains Apple taking 30 percent of subscription fees bought over its App Store. “That’s still a negotiation,” said one source, hinting that networks might try to take a larger share of revenue. Apple has not yet decided on how much it will charge for its streaming TV service. It aims to launch the service late this autumn.
