The New York Times is reporting that NBC will not renew its contract to provide content to Apple’s iTunes service. A spokesperson from NBC confirmed the decision after an anonymous source leaked it to the Times but did not comment on why NBC was dropping iTunes.

From the NYT:

The decision by NBC Universal highlights the escalating tension between Apple and media companies, which are unhappy that Apple will not give them more control over the pricing of songs and videos that are sold on iTunes.

NBC Universal is also seeking better piracy controls and wants Apple to allow it to bundle videos to increase revenue, the person familiar with the matter said.

You’ll have until December to access NBC Universal’s video catalog—which includes popular downloads such as “Battlestar Galactica,” “Heroes” and “The Office.”

Negotiations between the two companies continue, so Apple and NBC could still reach a deal before the current contract expires.

NBC Will Not Renew ITunes Contract [NYT] (Thanks, Molly!)

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