Apple is rumored to be in the process of developing around a 25-channel network by this fall, according to the Wall Street Journal.

ABC, CBS and Fox are said to be onboard. Due to conflicts with Comcast, owner of NBCUniversal (NBC, USA, Bravo), those programs are not currently expected.

Apple aims to deliver consumers a “skinny” bundle for around $30-$40/mo. compatible across Apple iOS devices (iPhones, iPads) in addition to Apple TV.

During the technology giant’s spring roll-out, Apple revealed an unbundled partnership with HBO at $14.99/mo., said to be just the appetizer for what’s to come.

“Several companies are looking for ways to target ‘cord cutters,’ people who don’t want to pay the typical $90 price for a cable TV package with hundreds of channels and who tend to enjoy online video,” say Keach Hagey, Shalini Ramachandran and Daisuke Wakabayashi of the WSJ.

“In the most recent talks, Apple is continuing to propose creating a live TV streaming service with a vast on-demand library that would be stored in the ‘cloud.’ It may be hard for Apple to get rights to all the programming it is asking for, including full seasons of shows. Many media companies have deals to license such content to outlets like Netflix and Hulu.”

Millennials are dropping linear TV viewing at around 4 percent annually. Nielsen notes the drop from September and January was 10.6 percent, the largest ever. About a quarter of 18-to-34-year-olds watch linear TV, while 44 percent of baby boomers do. Linear viewing for all ages in the U.S. peaked in 2013, according to AdAge.

The Dish Network and Sony Corp. are also aiming at competitive streaming TV products.

The momentum offers a fresh take at Apple TV, a product that has stagnated and been riddled with bugs since its roll-out in 2007. Currently the hardware retails for $69.00.

SoundExchange has reached a settlement agreement with NPR and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting on royalty rates for the next five years for webcasting by public radio stations. If adopted by the Copyright Royalty Board, the settlements will be in effect from 2016-2020.

This marks the second settlement agreement in five months with non-commercial webcasters. In October 2014, SoundExchange and College Broadcasters, Inc. (which represents college media outlets) reached an agreement, which allows noncommercial webcasters at colleges and educational institutions to continue to employ a consistent royalty framework, and ensures rights holders are compensated.

“We always prefer negotiated solutions with digital services, provided that they ensure appropriate payment to artists and rights holders. We are pleased that we have again reached an agreement with NPR and CPB. This agreement recognizes the unique circumstances and missions of these organizations, and compensates the creators of the music used in their programing,” said Michael Huppe, president and chief executive officer, SoundExchange.

“The Corporation for Public Broadcasting is pleased that we, together with NPR and SoundExchange have reached an agreement on Internet streaming of sound recordings by public radio stations funded by CPB that recognizes the unique nature of public radio and the vital service it provides to the American people,” said Pat Harrison, president and CEO, CPB.

“We are pleased to again collaborate with SoundExchange to come up with a framework for royalties that provides artists and rights holders with fair compensation while recognizing public radio’s distinctive public service and nonprofit operating model,” said NPR CEO Jarl Mohn. “The agreement is a testament to public radio’s significant contributions to musicians, artists, audiences and cultural programming in today’s dynamic music environment.”

Big Machine Label Group President/CEO Scott Borchetta with Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler during the label’s CMA Awards afterparty in Nashville in 2014. Photo: Getty Images

There seems to be a new rocker-turned-country performer in Music City.

MusicRow has confirmed that Aerosmith rocker Steven Tyler is working with Big Machine Label Group for an upcoming project, which is said to have some definite country leanings.

Big Machine Label Group had no official comment.

Tyler first spoke of his desire to record a country-influenced project in October 2014 during a Twitter Q&A. “I’m going down to Nashville January, February, March, April to write and see what we get,” Tyler said. “You know, doing an album is kind of like panning for gold. You get so much sand and dirt until you find a little nugget and you work on the nugget…you know I grew up with The Everly Brothers. Even ‘Cryin’s’ got a little [twang]. Of course I had to do it more Aerosmith-ish which was rocked out. There’s just a piece of me that loves country so much, and I’m not sure what kind of country that is, but it’s got the 5th harmony…it’s just those kind of melodies that are just so so good.”

Tyler has been in Music City frequently in recent years, including a surprise Bluebird Cafe appearance, when he performed after an in-the-round that featured Mallary Hope, Phil Barton, Lindsey Lee and Aerosmith collaborator Marti Frederiksen. In 2013, Keith Urban welcomed Tyler as a guest during a club show at Nashville’s Tootsies, where Tyler joined Urban onstage for a collaboration.

He has also collaborated with some of Music City’s leading female vocalists. Tyler recently provided vocals for Jana Kramer‘s song “Bullet,” to be included on her untitled sophomore project. He performed with Carrie Underwood on the 2011 Academy of Country Music Awards, and collaborated with Underwood in 2012 for an episode of CMT Crossroads.

Additionally, Tyler and Big Machine Label Group president/CEO Scott Borchetta have an American Idol connection. Tyler was a judge on the music competition from 2011-2012, while Borchetta recently signed on as an Idol mentor. This season’s winner will earn a recording deal with Big Machine Label Group.