20th Century Fox Movies Next To iTunes?
I just got around to listening to the third-quarter earnings call from Rupert Murdoch's News Corp that came out on Wednesday. What can I say? I've spent the whole week chronicling the demise of my industry. I'm backlogged on my earnings Webcasts.
At any rate, NewsCorp president Peter Chernin dropped an interesting little bomblet about his movie studio -- 20th Century Fox -- and Apple's new movie-download service. So far, iTunes only has movies for sale from Disney studios, probably because Apple's Steve Jobs sits on the Disney board.
An analyst asked Chernin if or when 20th Century Fox would start selling its movies on iTunes. Here's what Chernin said:
"We are in talks with them on the movie side. We certainly have things to consider. We have to consider our economics, content-protection issues, the competitive issues with other platforms, and we're working through it. We continue to have positive talks...there are some details to be worked out."
Only "details?"
!
To my ear, that's the clearest launch-ready statement I've heard from any of the non-Disney studios as to when they're going to join the iTunes service. Some 20th Century Fox movies include "Borat," "Bend It Like Beckham," "Ice Age" and "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World."
Might 20th Century Fox sign up in time for the holiday season? That's an annual boom time for iPod sales, and Apple surely would love to expand its film library to spur more iPod gifting.
By Frank Ahrens |
November 10, 2006; 6:00 AM ET
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Posted by: Roxanne | November 10, 2006 01:10 PM
"Save the Viewers. Save the Networks."
I think that digital delivery is going to be the salvation of the TV industry. This is going to do bigger things for network TV than it is going to do for Hollywood.
I say this because I am now watching more Network TV on my computer than I do on my TV. I watch my shows when I want, where I want, and even watch the VERY few commercials that I would normally skip with my TIVO.
I travel a lot on business, and being able to watch my shows away form home and TIVO has been a good thing.
The experience has been so good, I have put off buying a SLING BOX for now.
I now watch more Network TV because I am not having to make a choice between one of my new favorites or the other. Now I watch them all.
All digital is going to do for Hollywood is became a new distribution channel.
Posted by: Ken Guerrero | November 10, 2006 04:14 PM
I see zune video converter software is released in http://www.dvd-to-zune.com
Posted by: dvdtozune | November 14, 2006 10:48 PM
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I hope they do. I buy movies on iTunes and I need some more.