iTunes UK to Sell 28 TV Programs

After almost two years, Apple is finally expanding its video presence outside of the US by launching a store in Britain.

28 different programs will be available from several providers including ABC Studios, Disney Channel, MTV, Nickelodeon and Paramount Comedy. However, much of the programming is US-centric shows, with smattering of UK programming.

The reasoning behind this could be that television networks within the country have already moved ahead with online programming options of their own. Channel 4, ITV and the BBC have all launched online on-demand services in the last year.

For example, Channel 4, which broadcasts several of the programs to be made available in iTunes, already allows viewers to rent or buy programs, and ITV allows live and archived access to programming. The BBC also just recently launched its own on-demand service.

Apple says some of the programming to be made available includes Desperate Housevives and Lost from ABC, Disney's The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, MTV's Barrio 19 and Laguna Beach, Nickelodeon's Spongebob Squarepants and Paramount's South Park, among others.

"We're thrilled to bring TV programming to the iTunes Store in the UK," iTunes chief Eddy Cue said. "We've got 28 shows and expect to continue to add more great programming."

No announcement was made on whether Apple planned to expand its video store to other European countries as well. The move would also likely make its Apple TV more attractive outside the US, analysts say.