Is Apple the next big media company?

As many of you will know, I am a huge Applephile.  Have been ever since we got the very first Apple MacIntosh in the offices of "Coming Next Magazine" in Newcastle many many years ago.  Over the past ten years Apple has gone from a provider of high end computers to people in the graphics community, to being one of the strongest brands in the world.

Apple has transformed itself into a company that is responsible for delivering the majority of people their digital media. They still make amazing computers, but with the advent of the iPod they literally revolutionized the music industry, then providing TV on the iPod and movies, iTunes, Apple TV, and now delivering High Def programming and films for rent off iTunes, they are the conduit to everyone's digital future.

If you can deliver the goods, have a brand that people not only trust, but also covet, then why don't you start to make the content as well?  I believe that the company could become a media giant making, distributing, and owning content. They'll still have to distribute very else's content, but if Apple can package their goods so well, imagine how well they would package their programming.

Apple's ubiquitous presence in millions of peoples lives through computers, iPods, cell phones make them the most connected company out there. Other media companies have some elements, but Apples is the digital Valhalla!

Netflix winning

As we all feel the pinch from the bad economy, where are you willing to put your money.  It seems that Netflix is one place...with a 45% growth in the last quarter, and reporting $22 million in profit this quarter, the online entertainment business is sitting pretty.  It makes sense...a trip to the cinema for two, with ticket prices at $10, drinks, popcorn...you're easily looking at $40, and a night in at home in front of the TV watching a Netflix movie is cents, (monthly subscription fee).  The most interesting news is that Netflix's streaming service is really taking off.  This is backed up with a report that came out yesterday from Solutions Research Group, stating that 70% of 18-34 year olds are watching content online...all forms but mostly professional and longform.  WIll everything go online?  Years and years ago, when I was a a young media pup, the internet was just starting and the big prediction was a one screen universe. Everything on one screen, internet, TV, mail, everything on your TV.  This is now turning into the everything on every screen. you can watch your movies on TV, online, in theaters, and on your phone.  This is where it is going...embrace or die businesses.  To be honest, when I see Reed business publications laying people off, it would seem to make sense to get rid of the print business and put it all online.