Time Warner Cable And Apple Nearing Programming Deal For The Apple TV
July 2, 2013
Apple is nearing a deal with Time Warner Cable, Inc. that will give subscribers access to programming on the Apple TV. Apple has also hired Pete Distad, formerly of Hulu, to help Apple executives in negotiations with media and cable companies, according to Bloomberg.
According to the report, a Time Warner Cable agreement could be announced in a few months. When signed, subscribers would be able to stream real-time, live programming on the Apple TV.
The company has already signed deals to bring programming to Roku’s online TV device, and Microsoft’s Xbox gaming console. A TWC TV app is available for the iPhone/iPod touch and iPad.
Since 2007, Distad served as Hulu's SVP, Marketing and Distribution.
Last month, HBO GO and WatchESPN programming arrived on the Apple TV. Time Warner Inc. owns HBO, while ESPN is a joint venture of The Walt Disney Company and Hearst Corporation.
Put together, these moves are likely to add some more fuel to the rumors that Apple is working to bring an actual television to market.
Time Warner Cable operates in 29 states. In 2009, AOL, Time Warner Cable, and Warner Music Group were spun off from Time Warner Inc. Each now operates as an independent company.
See also: Opinion: Apple Is Finally Getting Serious About Television, and The TV Everywhere Revolution Has Finally Kicked Into High Gear.