CBS Corp.
is closing in on a deal with Apple to be part of its new Internet-based, stand-alone TV service, which could garner higher TV network fees than with other traditional TV providers.
Speaking at the
Code Conference event in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, Les Moonves, president/chief executive officer of CBS Corp. said CBS would “probably” make a deal with Apple.
He met
recently with Eddy Cue, senior vice president of Internet Software and Services for Apple.
Speaking later with CNBC, Moonves said: “Apple [isn’t talking] about a 200-channel
universe; it’ll be less than that. It will be a different offering that is digital. We will do better in a 15- to 17-channels universe. You’ll always need CBS.”
Moonves told
CNBC that he believes CBS will get paid more for Apple than from traditional pay TV providers.
Moonves also said he is happy with CBS’ inclusion in Verizon’s new “Custom
TV” plan, where Verizon offers consumers the ability to change over to slim down pay TV channel packages.
Recently, Verizon said it would move in that direction, which caused some outcry
among some cable networks -- in particular ESPN, which has started up litigation for “breach of contract.”