Watch out Netflix, Apple is coming: Tech giant makes two key TV hires

Not content with world domination of the cell phone and home computing markets, Apple Inc (NASDAQ:APPL) has made a bold signal of intent that it now plans to go hard into the pay-TV market with two key hires.

For it has hired Jamie Erlicht and Zack Van Amburg, the co-presidents of Sony Pictures Television, to spearhead the offensive against Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX), Amazon Prime Video and HBO, owned by Time Warner (NYSE:TWX).

For the uninitiated, the two brought the viewing public blockbuster shows Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, The Crown and The Blacklist.

In other words they are the industry’s hot property.

“Jamie and Zack are two of the most talented TV executives in the world and have been instrumental in making this the golden age of television,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s head of internet software and services.

READ: The full Hollywood Reporter story

According to the Hollywood Reporter they pair, who have been at Sony for more than a decade, will work closely with Apple Music executives Jimmy Iovine, Larry Jackson and Robert Kondrk and will oversee all content for the company, including the acquisition of original documentaries.

The trade paper said Erlicht and Van Amburg are are known for fighting for content — something which is said have impressed Cue.

“They most recently refused to accept NBC’s decision to cancel freshman drama Timeless and, through a fierce and rapid round of negotiations that included giving up part of the show’s ownership, were able to get the network to reverse its decision and renew the show for a shortened second season,” the Reporter added. 

Story by ProactiveInvestors