Moonves: CBS-Apple content deal for live TV is 'probably' happening


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Michelle Clancy

| 15 October 2015





Broadcast giant CBS' content discussions with Apple will probably lead to a deal, according to CEO Les Moonves.


"Apple is having conversations with everyone about doing their own streaming services," Moonves said in an interview on 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."

He also said that he was having similar discussions with Netflix and Facebook.

"Apple's commitment to becoming an experience syndication partner is savvy," said Keith Zubchevich, chief strategy officer at Conviva, in an email. "The entry of Netflix and Facebook into these kinds of discussions shows how quickly the game is changing, and that we are on the verge of a fundamental change in the way consumers access premium video content."

Apple delayed the start of its planned live online TV service until next year after getting bogged down in carriage talks with media companies.

News of Apple's OTT service surfaced in May 2015 with reports that the company would include not just live and VOD streaming from major broadcasters and content owners but also widespread access to local US TV channels, such as those broadcast by CBS affiliates, a feature not found in competitive offerings.