CBS and Walt Disney 'may join US Apple TV venture'

Apple's plan of offering television subscription via the Internet might receive a boost with US media companies CBS and Walt Disney's probable participation in the venture, the Wall Street Journal reported yesterday.

The planned subscription service by Apple may offer television shows from major networks for a monthly fee, which could significantly alter the television business, the paper said, citing people familiar with the matter.

Apple is aiming to complete licensing deals and expects to introduce the subscription service in 2010, the paper said.

The video strategy is part of Apple's plan to overhaul its iTunes store, which sells downloadable music, video and games, the paper said.

Apple, CBS Corp and Disney were not available for comment.