9 posts and columns on USA

News Byte

Rhapsody Arrives in U.K. and Germany Via Napster Deal

in Media on January 26 at 12:01 am PT

Streaming music service Rhapsody, which has only been available in the U.S. for the last 11 years, has finally made it to Europe. The service has finished a deal to buy one-time competitor Napster’s operations in the U.K. and Germany; last fall, Rhapsody bought Napster’s U.S. assets. Rhapsody competitor Spotify isn’t in Germany yet, but industry sources expect that to change soon.

Want to Cut Your Cord? The NBC U-Comcast Deal Won't Make It Easier

in Media on January 18, 2011 at 2:47 pm PT

If you were hoping that the government restrictions on the NBC U-Comcast deal would make it easier for you to stop paying for cable, you’re out of luck. The government is forcing the new company to offer its stuff to online outlets like Netflix and iTunes. But it won’t happen in the way that cord cutters would like. If it happens at all.

Hulu CEO Jason Kilar: We’re No Cable Killer! We Swear!

in Media on June 30, 2010 at 4:00 am PT

If you’re planning on swapping out your expensive cable TV service for Hulu’s $10 a month subscription offering, Jason Kilar has advice for you: Don’t do it! He needs to be very clear about this message: Hulu Plus is supposed to please TV junkies without angering the cable gods.

Want to Watch TV on Your iPad? Pay Up.

in Media on April 6, 2010 at 8:51 am PT

If you have a Netflix subscription, want to buy TV shows from iTunes or love ABC programming, the iPad has got you covered. If not…

A T-Mobile IPO?

in News on February 4, 2010 at 3:17 pm PT

If there is indeed a fledgling IPO recovery this year, T-Mobile USA may end up being part of it. “Unidentified sources close to the matter” tell The Wall Street Journal that Deutsche Telekom is considering taking its U.S. wireless unit public.

News Corp.: Conan’s Not Coming to Fox Just Yet; Amazon’s Ready to Bend on E-Book Pricing

in Media on February 2, 2010 at 2:41 pm PT

Amazon caved to Macmillan’s demands on e-book pricing, and now the online retailer is set to give News Corp.’s HarperCollins a new deal too, says Rupert Murdoch. Meanwhile, don’t hold your breath waiting for Conan O’Brien on Fox.

Report: Comcast Buying NBC for $35 Billion. Comcast: “Inaccurate”

in Media on September 30, 2009 at 6:23 pm PT

Here’s the big media deal everyone has been waiting for. Or at least, here’s the report: Sharon Waxman of TheWrap reports that cable giant Comcast is buying all of NBC Universal from GE for $35 billion. Comcast says the report is “inaccurate.”
the_office_promo_pic_nbc

Yahoo’s $100 Million TV Ad

in Media on September 28, 2009 at 8:58 am PT

Don’t say they didn’t warn you: Last week, Yahoo formally rolled out its new $100 million-plus marketing campaign. Today, the TV ads begin. Here’s what you’ll be getting if you watch AMC, ESPN, USA, Comedy Central, Bravo or any of the broadcast networks in the U.S.
yhoo ad