• Wall Street Journal, Friday, November 4, 2011 2:20 PM

Google is reportedly considering a plan to offer paid cable-TV services to consumers. “Google has looked at ways to expand a previously announced project to build a high-speed Internet service in Kansas City, Mo., and Kansas City, Kan., adding video and phone service in a mirror of offerings from cable and telecom companies,” reports The Wall Street Journal, citing sources.

As part of the video service, Google could one day be distributing major TV channels from top media companies like Walt Disney, Time Warner, and Discovery Communications. Although the discussions remain exploratory, the move could ultimately “unleash a new wave of competition within the traditional TV business,” writes The Journal.

Notably, Google recently hired a former cable-TV executive, Jeremy Stern, who is reportedly spearheading talks with media companies. Adds The Journal: “The discussions underscore the intensifying battle for control of the TV set.” At stake is the more than $150 billion per year that subscribers and advertisers shower on the TV business.  

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