NBC announced yesterday plans to allow users to download popular programs directly from the network's Web site to personal computers and digital video devices.
Three weeks ago, a dispute between the network and Apple's iTunes store, which had offered many of the programs for sale on its Web site, resulted in NBC's decision to pull its content from the Apple store.
According to reports, the dispute centered on pricing and on the degree of anti-piracy protection Apple provided for the files.
The Times' Bill Carter writes:
NBC’s move comes as companies throughout the television business search for new economic models in the face of enormous changes in the business. Networks continue to lose audience share, and viewers — especially many of the highly prized viewers under 30 years old — are increasingly demanding control of their program choices, insisting on being able to watch shows when, where and how they want.
At the same time viewers are finding more and more ways, like TiVo machines, to avoid watching the commercials that have long provided the bulk of television revenue.
