Netflix Won't Work with Apple on New Video Service
by EG
Some video content providers are teaming up with Apple for the launch of the company's new video streaming service. Netflix won't be one of those collaborators, choosing instead to go its own way and provide competing content. Read on for details.
Netflix will not be taking a bite out of Apple’s new video service.
“Apple is a great company, but we’d prefer to have customers watch our content on our service,” Netflix CEO Reed Hastings said Monday, ruling out the possibility of Netflix selling subscriptions through the packages that Apple, which will be unveiling its plans next week, is expected to offer. “We chose not to integrate (into the Apple service)."
Appearing at the streaming giant’s Hollywood facility as part of a two-day Netflix Labs event, during which Netflix shows off its technology and content strategy to the press, Hastings acknowledged the coming challenge not only from Apple but other streaming start-ups like Disney+ and WarnerMedia: “How do we stand up to companies with deep pockets, not to mention Disney with its hugely popular archives? With difficulty. We’ve always had massive competitors and you do your best job when you have great competitors.” He conceded that “those companies will be great competitors,” but then added that Netflix is used to dealing with strong competitors, citing Amazon in particular.
Pointing out that Netflix spends $1.4 billion per month on content, the exec vowed that “amazing content” will remain the company’s focus.
Netflix has been stingy about releasing viewer data, but since the service is not advertiser-supported, “it doesn’t matter to anyone,” Hastings argued. “Over time, we’ll probably share more than less,” he continued, though he added, “I don’t think it matters to consumers.”
Get the rest of the story at The Hollywood Reporter.
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