FCC Ruling Could Pave Way for Apple TV Service

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Posted May 29, 2012 at 6:05pm by iClarified

The FCC is considering a change in the definition of a 'multichannel video programming distributor' that could pave the way for Apple to launch its own television service, according to ZDNET.

It's been widely reported that Apple is having difficulty negotiating with broadcasters about content for its rumored television. Now a FCC ruling could make things a lot easier.

Currently, MVPDs have been limited to companies like Comcast, DirecTV and Verizon. However, the FCC is considering allowing companies like Hulu or Netflix to fall under that definition. That means that they would have a right to distribute programming that they would currently have to negotiate contracts for.

The ultimate ruling could play a huge factor in what Apple could deliver in addition to a new television set, which is already rumored to be in pilot production. Rather than going to each channel and attempting to negotiate - or, according to some, bully - it into a deal for programming, Apple could just offer a slew of channels like any cable provider. It could help spur the growing movement for "cord cutting" - people using online video services to replace their pay TV subscription.

Of course, the pay TV industry wants the FCC to move slowly on this since it would be very disruptive to its business.

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FCC Ruling Could Pave Way for Apple TV Service

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NoGoodNick - May 30, 2012 at 3:11pm

This affects the whole future of TV programming in the US. The major phone companies are all busy trying to "Buy" additional broadcasting channels (airwave spectrum). But technology is moving away from that model, and the 'old school' bullies don't want to see that happen. Most technology speciailists say that selling addtional spectrum is unnecessary. Instead they suggest just what Apple is trying to do. By changing how they broadcast their signals, they can use the current spectrum differently, so there's no need to use more on an exclusive basis. Good luck Apple, I want to see this trend continue. Traditional TV is as dead as the 8-track tape and the LP are.

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