Apple to share viewer data with potential TV partners: Report

Apple will soon share your data with programming partners so that, they can work together on their cable-like TV network package. This information could prove useful for programmers better target shows to viewers and advertisers. A source tells the  NY Post that Apple is willing to share details about viewers along with what and when they watch to lure broadcast networks and others to go along with the service. A source familiar with the matter said, “They’re allowing a lot more decision-making by the content owner”. It is said that Apple has told potential partners that, “It’s up to you, whatever you guys want to do”. With this move, Apple is playing ’nice’ in a attempt to catch up with rivals who are working on building channel packages, without a cable TV subscription. This way, Apple will offer something different which companies like Netflix have avoided all these years. CBS had recently launched their own monthly streaming app CBS All Access for $5/month. The report points outs that, one reason why programmers have been chasing their own streaming options is because; it offers them a more direct relationship with the audience. Apple is also having talks with Disney, CBS, Fox and Discovery Communications about supplying content for their packages at an approximate price of $20. The company hopes to seal the deal as quickly as possible, hopefully by September. Though, nothing is finalised at this point, Apple is having discussions regarding the programming fees. The fees are said to be on par with what cable operators pay on a monthly per-subscriber basis. An earlier **report** points out that this service would have about 25 channels, anchored by broadcasters such as ABC, CBS and Fox, and be available across all devices powered by Apple’s iOS operating system, including iPhones, iPads and Apple TV set-top boxes. Apple and Comcast were also in early-stage discussions last year to offer a streaming-television service that would allow Apple set-top boxes to bypass congestion on the web.