By: Nick Gambino
Apple is looking to expand beyond tech devices and streaming music into the realm of original TV programming.
According to an article by The Wall Street Journal, Apple is meeting with several Hollywood producers in an effort to create original TV shows along the lines of Stranger Things and Westworld.
The idea would be to add this content to the already established Apple Music platform. Subscribers to the music streaming service would have the added benefit of viewing quality shows available nowhere else.
There’s no word as to the ideas pitched or whether or not they’re seriously considering any of them. We only know that no scripted content has been bought at this time.
The Cupertino-based company won’t be the first to offer original TV content as Netflix, Hulu and Amazon have been doing it for years. A foray into “TV” is a smart move as that model has proved successful.
Netflix used to only offer “other” TVs and movies much like a Blockbuster (did I just date myself?). Original content has been a key to Netflix’ success with shows like House of Cards, Orange is the New Black and Daredevil.
The main reasons for opening up this whole new avenue is two-fold. Apple’s device sales are on the decline for the first time in years. A new revenue stream could help offset declining sales.
Second is the obvious boost to the number of subscribers to Apple Music. Currently Apple Music boasts only half the subscribers (20 million) of rival Spotify (40 million).
It seems there’s no intention at this time to try and even go up against the established monsters that are Netflix and Hulu. Both have a large library of original content that only continue to grow. Apple would be wise to conquer the music streaming industry before attempting to tackle full-fledged video streaming.
The WSJ says Apple is looking to provide “original scripted content by the end of 2017.”
What do you think about Apple stepping into the arena of original scripted TV? Good idea or too late to the party? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nick Gambino is a regular script writer and tech beat reporter for NewsWatch. He lives in Northern Virginia with his wife and daughter.
