See a larger view and visit Joel Watson’s website for more of what NBC wants!

The soap opera between NBC and Apple continues with NBC telling consumers that they only wanted “flexibility in wholesale pricing, including the ability to package shows together in ways that could make our content even more attractive for consumers.” Not just a $4.99 per episode show.

The big news flash from NBC is that they complain that Apple is more interested in making money on hardware than money for content provider. Really? Imagine that, Apple wants to sell iPods? I would have never guessed. They actually have the gall to want to make some money themselves instead of ONLY for other companies!

Hey NBC, maybe Apple is more interested in keeping the prices of “free-over-the-air” shows that can be recorded for free (and legally) by anyone with a VHS, DVD Recorder, DVR or PVR. from gouging their customers at higher than DVD costs!

Think iTunes has not helped NBC shows? Read this:

“I’m not sure that we’d still have the show on the air” without the iTunes boost, says Angela Bromstead, president of NBC Universal Television Studio, which owns and produces “The Office.” “The network had only ordered so many episodes, but when it went on iTunes and really started taking off, that gave us another way to see the true potential other than just Nielsen. It just kind of happened at a great time.”

NBC Universal spokesman stated, “since it is estimated that the typical iPod contains a significant amount of illegally downloaded material.” Calling iPod owners pirates is not exactly a great way to gain customer loyalty. Especially since it is iTunes that is and has been the best weapon against pirating content. Raising the prices of FREE over-the-air shows however will definitely increase pirating content and will certainly increase free recording more of this content (which is legal).

NBC shows will be available until December, with the possibility that a new contract could be negotiated. So far Apple will not offer any NBC Fall shows as they can be taken down in December with iTunes customers left without complete seasons. NBC claims it will force Apple to put up the Fall shows, under the current contract. Good luck with that NBC! We will keep watching the dirt being thrown.

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