Apple is reportedly open to the idea of sharing viewer data with its partners so that it can get its much-rumored TV service in motion.
According to sources of the New York Post, Apple is agreeable to sharing details on its viewer base: the audiences' viewing habits, such as what and when they watch, as well as demographics. With this philosophy, Apple is hoping to lure broadcasters to come on board its TV service.
With viewer details available to them, programmers will be better equipped to cater content to both advertisers and viewers. However, at this juncture it is not known just how much information Apple will make available to its broadcasters. Rumors have been rife that Apple will let the broadcasters run ads for free if the revenue from the subscription fee does not suffice.
"They're allowing a lot more decision-making by the content owner," revealed a source to the NY Post.
The publication's source added that Apple has also conveyed to its potential partners: "It's up to you, whatever you guys want to do."
In the event Apple does grant access to viewer data, it will be a break from tradition for the company, which is known to guard its data and project plans, exercising control over its ecosystem.
The company is choosing to dangle the carrot by offering data to programmers, which future competitors like Netflix and Amazon have deterred from doing. Apple could also be taking this route to leapfrog ahead of the likes of Dish's Sling TV and Sony's PlayStation Vue.
Sources also revealed that Apple has also been in talks with CBS, Disney, Discovery Communications and Fox for the supply of content for its TV service. The price is said to be $20.
The Wall Street Journal reports that Apple is discussing with programmers plans to push out its slimmed-down TV bundle networks by fall this year. The company is apparently ready to write out the checks to close the deal quickly. The programming fees it will charge subscribers are not yet known, but are expected to be at par with industry standards.
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