Publishers Alliance To Create “iTunes For Print Media” As Tablet Rumours Continue To Build

Apple’s plans to “revolutionise” print media with its rumoured tablet device may now be met with competition from a group of major publishing houses.

The New York Observer claims that major publishing houses including Time Inc., Condé Nast and Hearst are to form a new company in order to take control of the future of digital publishing. Rumours suggest that the alliance could be announced within weeks and is likely a response to suggestions that Apple’s upcoming tablet will be designed to “revolutionise print media”. Having seen iTunes change the face of music sales, it appears the media companies, who publish such titles as Vanity Fair, Time, Sports Illustrated and Esquire, wish to remain in control of their output as more consumers seek digital editions of print media, and are preempting Apple’s attempt to corner the market. The new company is expected to deliver content to a number of formats and devices including iPhone and BlackBerry. John Squires, executive vice president at Time Inc. is expected to head the alliance until a permanent executive is found.

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