The longtime rumors are finally becoming a reality. Apple is planning to add movie rentals to iTunes.

According to a Financial Times report, Twentieth Century Fox is one of the first studios agreeing to offer its films for rent via iTunes. Movies have been available on iTunes but only for purchase. The rental capability is sure to shake things up.

Michael Gartenberg, a Jupiter Research vice president, told the Associated Press:

“People want to watch movies but not necessarily own them,” Gartenberg said. “If Apple can simplify the digital movie services like they did with music, then we’re talking about a very significant change in the online video rental landscape.”

Apple’s official announcement is expected in mid-January.

Ben Bridwell Interview

 

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Sports writers have long been the humble ones, hanging on the words and deeds of larger-than-life pop culture icons. For the average grunt with pencil in hand, that’s still true, but thanks to Yahoo Sports and ESPN a select few sports writers are transcending the old stereotype.

According to The New York Times, some of the biggest stars at newspapers and magazines, are disembarking for double and triple what they were earning — $150,000 to $350,000 a year for several writers, and far more for a select handful.

The competition for writers has even produced bidding wars, especially for big-name columnists like Rick Reilly (from Sports Illustrated to ESPN), Howard Bryant (from The Post to ESPN) and Selena Roberts (from The New York Times to Sports Illustrated) — but also for less widely known reporters. People who were briefed on the deals said that Mr. Reilly’s contract, easily the biggest of the recent signings, was worth more than $3 million a year.

“It’s the exact same model as what happened to athletes,” said Leigh Steinberg, a top sports agent. “We’re seeing free agency for sports journalists.” 

Reilly is an 11-time national sportswriter of the year. Commenting on the move from Sports Illustrated, his employer for 19 years, Reilly said, “This is an itch I’ve wanted to scratch for a long time. For a guy who loves sports, ESPN is the ultimate. I feel like a mouse locked in a cheese store. I don’t know where to start first. I’m thrilled with the opportunity to speak to a whole new audience in a whole new way.

“That “new way” he speaks of is multimedia reporting. In today’s mediascape a presence in print (no matter how prestigious the title) is rarely enough. ESPN offers Reilly, and others, a chance to impact sports fans in print, online and on TV. It’s a lesson the entire media industry is learning the hard way at this moment in time.

Wayne Coyne Interview

 

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Rachael Yamagata Interview

 

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DJ Spooky Interview

 

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Will Dailey Interview

 

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Arthur Yoria Interview

 

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G. Love In San Francisco

 

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Datarock interview

 

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