WSJ: Apple plans streaming TV service

WSJ: Apple plans streaming TV service

Andrew Cunnningham at Ars:

Rumors of an Apple-created television service have been around for almost as long as the rumors about an Apple-created television set, but a new report from the Wall Street Journal suggests we may know more soon. The WSJ claims that Apple will be launching a 25-or-so channel TV service for $30 or $40 a month that would include ABC, CBS, Fox, and various subsidiary channels like ESPN and FX.

NBC is not part of the current talks, apparently because of conflicts with parent company Comcast. Apple’s plans had previously been expected to include some kind of partnership with cable companies, combining their infrastructure and content with Apple’s hardware and software. The Journal says those plans have been nixed, again because of friction with Comcast.

So things are finally moving in the right direction, but I’m worried that we’re going to get stuck in a situation where no single service has the precise mix of channels. The goal is to make TV more affordable and accessible, but that’s not the case if I have to pay for several different services just to get the content I want.