NBCU Returns to iTunes

NEW YORK/SAN FRANCISCO,
September 10: Programming from the NBC Universal bouquet of networks has
returned to the iTunes Store with a flexible pricing model in which consumers
can opt to pay a higher price for content in high definition.

NBC Universal elected not
to renew its deal with iTunes at the end of last year in a dispute over the
download store’s prices. The new agreement sees standard-definition offerings
available for $1.99, while HD programs are $2.99 per episode. There is also
select library content—including The A-Team, The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, Miami Vice, Kojak and the
original Battlestar Galactica—on
offer for $0.99 per episode.

The agreement covers
series from NBC, USA Network, SCI FI Channel, Bravo, Sleuth and NBC News,
including Heroes, The Office, Battlestar Galactica and 30 Rock. Titles from Oxygen, Telemundo, mun2 and NBC Sports will soon be
available on iTunes as well.

"The return of our
shows to iTunes is terrific news for everyone who loves television and the ease
and convenience of Apple's iTunes,” said Jeff Zucker, the president and CEO of NBC Universal. "And now, by offering
consumers a variety of new options, our fans have even more ways to enjoy our
content.”

"We are thrilled that
NBC is back on iTunes in time for the fall TV season,” said Steve Jobs, Apple's
CEO. "NBC has some of TV's most popular shows and now customers can
purchase and download them from iTunes in SD or stunning HD.”

In the run up to the fall
season, NBCU is offering one free episode from each of its top series,
available in either SD or HD, for the next two weeks. The premiere episodes Knight
Rider, My Own Worst Enemy and Kath & Kim will be available on iTunes a week before their
broadcast premieres.

—By Mansha Daswani