Apple is trying to close HBO, Starz and Showtime deals before its March 25 subscription service announcement event

Bloomberg

"Before the curtain goes up, Apple needs to complete deals," reports Bloomberg News. "The company is racing to secure movies and TV shows to offer alongside its own original videos and is offering concessions to get deals done by a Friday deadline, according to people familiar with the matter. Pay-TV programmers such as HBO, Showtime and Starz have to decide whether Apple is an existential threat, as some now view Netflix, a potential partner or something in between."