APPLE LINKS WITH OPRAH TO CREATE CONTENT
TELEVISION personality Oprah Winfrey has agreed to produce shows for Apple as the iPhone maker prepares to make a push into original content. An Apple statement on Friday offered few details about the role for Winfrey, who hosted a hugely popular talk show before leaving to start her own production company and devote time to philanthropic efWinfrey forts.
“Together, and Aporiginal ple will create proembrace grammes that her inability comparable to connect with audiences around the world,” the statement said. Terms of the deal were not announced.
The news suggested Apple, which reportedly is investing US$1 billion (RM4 billion) in content, is pushing to create a platform to challenge rivals, such as Netflix and Amazon, in Internet video. According to The HolReporter, lywood the deal includes films, television shows, smartphone applicathat tions and books can be distributed through Apple. Apple has deals with other stars, including director Steven Spielberg, and actressAniston es Jennifer and Reese Witherspoon.
The move comes after Netdeal flix signed a with former US president Barack Obawife, ma and his Michelle, to produce shows for that platform.
It also comes as traTV ditional operators scramble to bolster their position against an expected online onThursday slaught.
AT&T on closed an US$85 billion deal for media-entertainTime ment giant Warner, giving the telecombroadband group a strong position in both content and delivery.