CBS has been fighting the integration of streaming-content and traditional TV programming tooth-and-nail since sites like Hulu and Netflix first started taking off. Now the company has taken its first real steps in offering streaming content in a reasonable way, of course it’s adding reasons not to use it as well.
The new CBS App for iPhone and iPad will offer users, the company stated that the service will “extends the reach of the shows’ audience”, while offering “another monetization window for the Company’s industry-leading content”.
The new application will offer original and second-screen features for CBS’s popular shows such as (NCIS, THE GOOD WIFE, CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS and THE LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN, among many others). There is a catch of course.
“Daytime and late night programming will be available within 24 hours after initial airing” says CBS. If you enjoy prime-time shows like the majority of the United States, you will have to wait for “the eighth day after broadcast”.
CBS also announced it would introduce similar full-episode streaming apps for all major mobile and tablet platforms later this year, including Android and Windows 8. “We have been methodically and strategically finding new ways to satiate the appetite for our content on new platforms, while tapping into the tremendous revenue provided by doing so,” said Leslie Moonves , President and CEO, CBS Corporation. “Our announcement today achieves both of these objectives, while protecting our very healthy current ecosystem. In addition, by making our shows available on all the leading mobile devices out there, we are confident we will bring a whole new set of viewers to the CBS Television Network and build upon our standing as the #1 network in the business.”
“Our online viewers not only want to watch their favorite shows on multiple devices, they want deeper engagement with the programs they love,” said Jim Lanzone , President of CBS Interactive. “The new CBS App gives them the best of both worlds, letting people watch CBS shows on the best screen available for them, with a host of extra features that give them a richer viewing experience whenever and wherever they tune in.”
The new CBS App will integrate the existing CBS Connect App experience by the start of the Fall TV season. At that time, the CBS App will offer: integrated social feeds; live events that allow fans to engage directly with talent; and second-screen experiences synched to the broadcast with additional content for select shows like CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, CRIMINAL MINDS, HAWAII FIVE-O and NCIS: LOS ANGELES.
