Despite being the No. 1 supplier of digital video to the iTunes online marketplace, NBC has chosen to end its relationship with Apple and will no longer sell its content through the computer giant’s web-based, media store.

This comes soon after the Universal Music Group of Vivendi, the world’s biggest music corporation, also refused to renew its contract with Apple.

It is unknown if NBC will now follow in the footsteps of Universal Music Group, which continued to sell its content via iTunes sans contract in order to have the option of pulling out at any time if desired. NBC’s current contract with Apple doesn’t end until December of this year, so its vast catalog, about 1,500 hours worth, should remain available until then.

NBC’s most popular shows currently available on iTunes includes "Battlestar Galactica", "The Office", and "Heroes". 

According to the NY Times, NBC is unhappy with the pricing, packaging, and DRM options that iTunes provides and would rather charge more per show or group shows together in order to increase revenue. The media giant is not the only unhappy merchant of Apple’s iTunes media store. Various companies also share the same grievances as NBC.

Related:

Apple hits back at NBC in iTunes dispute

Is Apple about to lose Warner Music Group on iTunes?

NBC and Netflix team up to offer Heroes through “Watch Now”

Round 3 of Apple vs NBC war of words continues

iTunes breezes by Best Buy to become the number two music retailer in the US

Entry was posted on Friday, August 31st, 2007 at 2:11 am under Uncategorized.  Print This Post

Read more entries by Danny Mendez.
Stumble It!