CBS Forms Distribution Partnership with Apple iTunes

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7:20 am on June 12, 2006 | Category: Web Services, Mobile Devices, Television, Multimedia

Apple iTunes, the hugely popular catalog of downloadable music and video content, has just gained yet another partner, with CBS adding several of its top shows to the network.

iTunes users will now be able to access full episodes of hit shows like CSI and Survivor on a PC or video iPod, at a cost of $1.99 per download. Come next fall, it will be possible to access new CBS shows on iTunes the day after they air.

“iTunes has proven that people enjoy viewing shows on their computer or iPod, which provides an opportunity to reach new audiences with our hit shows and gives our existing viewers a chance to catch up on missed episodes,” said CBS Digital Media president, Larry Kramer, in a statement about the deal.

Apple has already cut deals with NBC, ABC, and Fox, making CBS the last major American broadcasting network to make an appearance on iTunes. Over the past couple of years, broadcasters and record companies have realized just how big a distribution network Apple has created, and are now clamoring to get their share of the action.

“Broadband video has to be a part of the strategy for the TV networks and any other content providers,” said Yankee Group analyst, Nitin Gupta. “CBS is a little late to the iTunes party, but they are pursuing their own broadband efforts.”