Television networks have yet to figure out how to earn significant income by repurposing their entertainment programs on the Internet or on mobile devices. But CBS has apparently found a way of hooking into Internet-connected iPhones to do so with its sports programming. Indeed, it has developed a separate unit, CBS Sports Mobile, which on Monday announced that it will offer live video of the annual men's college basketball tournament, to users of the iPhone and iPod Touch from March 16 to April 5. It will cost those caught up in "March Madness" $9.99 for the app allowing them to watch any of the 63 games of the tournament. It is available from Apple's iTunes store at http //itunes.apple.com/us/app/cbs-sports-mobile/id356988414?mt=8. A free app is also available providing updated scores, player statistics and video highlights. In a statement, Rob Gelick, who heads CBS Mobile, said, "Last year, CBS Sports Mobile witnessed a huge appetite for mobile video when we were the first to stream live sports events over the iPhone, and this year, by including Wi-Fi and 3G, we expect that appetite -- and audience -- to grow even more." Meanwhile the NFL and Verizon reached an agreement on Monday that will allow Verizon to offer mobile access to Sunday afternoon football games for the first time next season.
09/03/2010
