http://www.multichannel.com/news/tv-apps/cbs-station-chiefs-ponder-all-access-offer/389777
CBS Station Chiefs Ponder All Access Offer
A curious group of affiliates took in CBS’ All Access presentation in Las
Vegas, and most came away intrigued about the opportunities in partnering with
the network on the live streaming initiative.
CBS announced recently that a dozen station groups were on board, representing
55% of U.S. households when coupled with CBS’ owned stations. But Michael
Fiorile, affiliates board chairman, warned that it will be some time before
full-scale buy-in occurs. “I’d characterize the meeting as positive, but
affiliates are still learning what it’s about,” he said. “It’s a lot to
comprehend.”
Affiliates have to make the investment in Syncbak, the platform driving the
$5.99 a month service, to make it work. According to the blanket deal, stations
get 59 cents per subscriber, which ramps up commensurate to the subscriber
base. While the affiliates board has signaled that they’re pleased with the
framework that was negotiated, station chiefs are penciling out the numbers to
see if there’s money to be made.
The slogan at the closed 90-minute meeting at the Wynn read “Move Into Digital
Together”, and the station partners were warm to the idea of working alongside
the network to increase their collective reach. “There’s a lot of settling to
do, but anything that increases distribution is a good thing,” said one senior
group exec who asked to remain nameless.