CBS, ABC to Sidestep iTunes and Offer Free TV Shows for iPad

CBS and ABC are reportedly adapting episodes of their TV shows to be viewable free of charge on the iPad.

The shows will be streamed with commercial breaks similar to how its done for their websites. CBS is planning to use the built in iPad browser and ABC plans to create an iPad specific application.

"We're working very hard to make as much of it available as possible," Neil Ashe, president of CBS Interactive, said in an interview. "Over time, it'll be the same as online."


These plans would sidestep Apple's iTunes content store, where Apple has been trying to invigorate sales of TV episodes. According to WSJ sources, several media companies have rejected Apple's push to lower the price of TV shows to 99 cents.

"It is unclear whether any company will accept 99-cent prices by Saturday's launch."

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