Blockbuster Trying to Secure Exclusive Digital Content?

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Blockbuster is in discussions to invest in a new premium channel.

As part of a deal being discussed, Blockbuster would get digital rights to the new channel's programming in return for an investment in the partnership, these people said.

Viacom, parent of the Paramount Pictures movie studio, said earlier this month it would join forces with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. and Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. to launch a new pay-TV channel that will show movies and original television series made by the three companies. The companies now sell their movies to CBS Corp.'s premium channel Showtime, but talks to renew their agreement fell apart when CBS tried to cut the price.

This could be a serious blow to Netflix if Blockbuster is able to secure an exclusive deal for popular movies or TV shows.

Comments

[Bladezone]

I don't think this is right. Would this be considered as a monopoly in the DVD rental business? Hell - BB ll be the only one benefiting from this deal, while the movie studios are limiting their releases to people who are willing to rent from BB. Real dumb if you want my 2 cents.

[Edward R Murrow]

You mean like HBO and the Sopranos or Showtime and Dexter? Like that?

[userof stuff]

Exclusivity deals are bad for everyone involved. Stupid stupid stupid.

Ultimately what happens is the content owner closes themselves off from the customer base that does not use BB. Before long those customers forget that content owner's products even exist. Won't even miss 'em...