iTunes adds NBC news, documentaries

NBC News today began offering a collection of video news and documentary programming for purchase and download from Apple's iTunes Music Store. The new offerings will also include new programs produced especially for iTunes. Programming from NBC News is priced at $1.99 per download, and includes a wide selection of current and historical programming from NBC News, CNBC and MSNBC. "Partnering with iTunes on the news side - in addition to what we've already done on the entertainment side - makes perfect sense," said Jeff Zucker, CEO of NBC Universal Television Group. "Partnering the leading brand in video downloads with the undisputed leader of news and information is a winning combination, and we are thrilled to be further extending our relationship with iTunes in this unique way." [updated]

Apple comments

Apple's vice president of iTunes Eddy Cue provided the company's view on iTunes' latest additions.

"We're thrilled to have NBC News video programming available for purchase on iTunes," Cue said. "Customers now have the ability to download a wide selection of current and historical news and documentary programming from NBC News, MSNBC and CNBC."

Unique to iTunes

NBC News is also showcasing some unique "Time Capsule" programs produced in a digital-only format available only on iTunes. Hosted by "NBC Nightly News" Anchor and Managing Editor Brian Williams, initial offerings include "In His Own Words" programs on both John F. Kennedy and Richard M. Nixon, featuring exclusive interviews from the NBC News Archives.

Additional offerings

Other highlights from NBC News on iTunes include Williams' first-person account of covering Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath; Tom Brokaw's "Greatest Generation" reports -- three programs that served as companions to his best-selling books; and "Meet the Press" moderator Tim Russert's "Meet the Presidents" series: complete episodes of "Meet the Press," available for the first time and including special new introductions from Russert.

"As the leading news organization on the planet, we have an incredible reach, a massive archive and a unique ability to package our material together in an iPod-friendly format," said Williams. "We cover the world every day -- this is an opportunity for our viewers to carry it around in the palm of their hand."

NBC News specials

A complete list of NBC News specials offered via iTunes includes "Secrets to the Code," a look at the controversy surrounding The DaVinci Code; In His Own Words: Brian Williams on Hurricane Katrina; Ronald Reagan: The Great Communicator; America's Astronauts: From Mercury to Apollo to Today; Outbreak: Could It Happen Here?; and On Borrowed Time: The Great American Earthquake.

NBC News Time Capsule

NBC News Time Capsule offerings include John F. Kennedy: In His Own Words; Richard M. Nixon: In His Own Words; Jacqueline Kennedy: The White House Tour, which was one of the most-watched programs in television history, from February 1962; Martin Luther King Jr.: Look Here, an in-depth interview from 1957; and U2: The Rona Elliott Interview, an extended 1987 conversation with the entire band.

Tom Brokaw Reports

Tom Brokaw Reports available on iTunes include The Greatest Generation; D-Day: A Leap into History; The Greatest Generation Speaks; The Long War, a look at the global war on terror; Inside the Real West Wing; and Sudden Impact: Drunk Driving.

Meet The Presidents

Complete episodes of Meet the Press with introductions by Tim Russert include John F. Kennedy: January 3, 1960; Lyndon Johnson: October 9, 1960; Richard Nixon: April 10, 1988; Gerald Ford: November 9, 1975; Jimmy Carter: January 20, 1980; and Ronald Reagan: January 9, 1966.

Dateline NBC: Crime & Punishment

Dateline NBC additions to iTunes include Vegas Homicide: Death in the Desert; Vegas Homicide: A Killer's Confession; Inside Evil: Jeffrey Dahmer; and Inside Evil: Son of Sam.

MSNBC: Caught on tape

MSNBC iTunes additions consist of Tattoos: Skin Deep; Cops Caught on Tape; Extreme Fighting; MSNBC: LOCKUP; Inside San Quentin; Return to Rikers; and Inside Riverbend.

CNBC specials

CNBC specials now available on the iTunes Music Store include The Age of Wal-Mart; Mad Money: Know Thyself; Mad Money: Making Moves; and Mad Money: Road Rules.

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