Apple is working to provide programming from local broadcasters to customers of its upcoming streaming TV service, and that could delay the service’s planned early fall 2015 launch.
Apple’s ambitions have complicated its negotiations with the broadcast TV networks, because most broadcasters don’t own all their local stations, and have an affiliate, or franchise system.
Clearing the rights to show local programs and commercials takes some time — ABC, for instance, spent two years getting the rights to show live programming via its Watch ABC app, and its live streams remain limited to viewers in eight cities.
The report notes that some industry executives claim that providing digital feeds of the programming from dozens of affiliates will also require the broadcasters to build new streaming infrastructure.
Re/code also claims Apple has yet to reach content deals with any TV programmers yet, making an announcement about the service look less and less likely for the company’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC 2015) next month.
Apple has been expected to announce its new streaming television service alongside a revamped Apple TV set top streaming box on June 8 at the WWDC 2015 keynote. The service is expected to offer around 25 channels for between $30 and $40 per month. It is expected that the service will include channels from such providers are ABC, CBS, Fox, ESPN and FX.
