MS discussing Xbox Live telly channel
Report: Gold subs could rise to fund it.
Microsoft may be investigating making an exclusive television channel for Xbox Live. But in order to fund the operation, Xbox Live Gold subscriptions may have to rise by one or two dollars.
Anonymous sources told Bloomberg (via GamesIndustry.biz) that Microsoft had been in meetings with former News Corp. president Peter Chernin about the service.
The channel, the report said, would be co-owned by Chernin and Microsoft and feature original shows as well as television re-runs.
Chernin left his post as Fox Entertainment Group CEO (and president and COO of News Corp.) and now runs his own production company Chernin Entertainment.
"Peter is talking to lots of people about lots of ideas in the digital space," said Chernin's publicist Allan Mayer, dodging direct confirmation of Microsoft liasons.
Microsoft charges £4.99 per month for a Gold Xbox Live membership and £39.99 for the year. That figure is $7.99 in North America or $8.99 with additional Netflix film rentals.
Gold Xbox Live subscribers surpassed 23 million in February, with the highest recorded peak usage at 2.3 million concurrent connections.