iTunes Multi-Pass 'Subscriptions' for TV Shows

Reuters reports that Apple introduced its first move into subscription-like services with a new iTunes service called Multi-Pass.

iTunes is launching the service in partnership with Viacom Inc.'s Comedy Central Network, which is rolling out "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" and "The Colbert Report" on the service.

Users will be able to buy the next month series of 16 episodes for $9.99. Four episodes air each week and viewers can download each episode after its been broadcast. The shows are also available individually for $1.99 per episode as before.

No details on the Digital Rights Management involved, but appears to simply be discounted bulk pre-purchasing of the shows, and they are expected to be "owned" downloads -- the same as individually purchased items.