Frak! NBC Universal Pulling Shows from iTunes

• Aug 31, 2007 05:44 PM ET
• by Matt Mitovich

NBC Universal, whose programming accounts for some 40 percent of iTunes' video downloads, has told Apple Inc. that it will not be renewing its contract come December. Though negotiations are said to be continuing, the primary issues at hand are pricing - while Apple prefers set $0.99 and $1.99 price points, NBC Universal wants to offer packages of bundled programs at different prices - and NBCU's desire that iTunes stiffens anti-piracy provisions.

In a counterstrike, an iTunes VP told the AP, "We are disappointed to see NBC leave iTunes because we would not agree to their dramatic price increase," then revealed the site will cease selling NBC shows as of the onset of the fall season.

NBCU's digital offerings include 30 Rock, USA's Psych and Sci Fi Channel's Battlestar Gallactica.