You can tell that NBC Universal (NBC U) really appreciates the opportunities that the Internet can present them with. This is evident not only from the recently announced deal with Google, but from the fact that they co-own Hulu and are even going so far as to debut some of their shows online before they even make it to the standard television airwaves.
In another token of the corporation’s respect for the ‘net, they have decided to end a feud with Apple over their shows being offered through the iTunes store. Initially, Apple would not let NBCU charge the prices they wanted to for some episodes of certain shows, exceeding the $1.99 iTunes limit, but they have reached an agreement that will put NBCU programming back in the catalog.
NBCU President and CEO Jeff Zucker knows that his company was missing out on some money by not offering iTunes downloads. Even though much of the content is available for free streaming via Hulu, there are still going to be plenty of people downloading shows for keeps. “And now, by offering consumers a variety of new options, our fans have even more ways to enjoy our content,” he says.
The deal is certainly good for Apple as well as NBCU has some pretty big hits like “The Office” and “Battlestar Galactica” to name a couple. “We are thrilled that NBC is back on iTunes in time for the Fall TV season,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “NBC has some of TV’s most popular shows and now customers can purchase and download them from iTunes in SD or stunning HD.”
Those HD shows will cost $2.99 by the way, which is a higher price than Apple initially would have preferred, and likely factored into NBCU’s descision to go back to iTunes. NBCU will be offering old shows for as little as $0.99 though. So if you are craving some Sonny Crockett or Bosco Baracus adventures, you won’t have to break your bank. Of course you could just go to Hulu and watch some for free.
