Industry watchers have been wondering for years when Apple’s TV service will finally make its debut. Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference is just around the corner, but it doesn’t look like a June launch is even somewhat probable.

Since word spread that Apple wants to add local station programming to this mythical service, Apple has faced complications.

In order to add content from local broadcast stations from ABC, NBC, Fox and CBS, Apple not only has to make deals with the larger networks, but with station owners such as Hearst or Sinclair. This also means that after months (or years) of negotiations, the Apple TV service might not be able to launch in smaller markets where the service hasn’t acquired rights.

Even CBS’ own All Access app initially launched with its owned and operated stations, adding other non-CBS-owned affiliates later. But even today, the app still only reaches 64 percent of available households in only 94 markets nationwide.

In order to get local programming across the U.S., Apple would have to make deals with almost 240 ABC affiliates, 200 NBC affiliates and 180 Fox affiliates - not to mention public broadcasters if Apple wants to offer PBS.

These deals, understandably, take time, and Apple could still decide the time isn’t worth it and launch without them. But in order to stand out in a crowded television market, Apple’s TV service with live local programming could only help.

Read more at Variety.

Brief Take: The highly anticipated service is hitting some snags, but if it manages to make the local deals it wants and get local programming added to the TV service nationwide, it will also have achieved something great in the next step of TV Everywhere.

[Image courtesy of Apple]

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