Apple and NBC's iTunes soap opera
We have a great idea for a new drama to fill NBC's faltering fall lineup: "iTunes," the TV show. The public soap opera over negotiations to keep NBC's TV episodes in the iTunes Store catalog is sparking more drama than a season of "ER" — and more comedy than "Scrubs." Sure, NBC is looking for creative ways to gouge consumers. But Apple is equally to blame. Apparently it wants to chop the price of TV episodes in half to 99 cents a download. The way it sees it, studios will make money on volume than on keeping margins high. NBC and other studios worry that a 99-cent price point, though, would anger important DVD distributors like Wal-Mart and Target. So many partners to please! The threat of pirates looming in t he background! Will NBC be able to woo Apple into tiered pricing with a flutter of its eyelids? Will Apple slash prices to bolster its video store? Find out as the world downloads.