Turner Broadcasting System expanded its partnership with Qualcomm's FLO TV subsidiary to offer CNN Mobile on FLO's portable and automotive TV services in addition to AT&T Mobile TV -- but Verizon Wireless still won't have access to the news channel.
CNN Mobile, which includes programming from CNN U.S., CNN International and HLN, will be available on the FLO TV Personal Television and the FLO TV Auto Entertainment system, which is being brought to market in partnership with Audiovox.
When AT&T debuted its Mobile TV service with FLO in May 2008, the carrier touted the fact that it had "exclusive" rights to CNN Mobile as provided through the Qualcomm unit. In other words, the channel was unavailable to subscribers of Verizon Wireless, which also offers a mobile TV service provided by FLO.
FLO also offers Fox News Channel and MSNBC, which is available on AT&T, Verizon Wireless and FLO's direct-to-consumer services.
"Live, breaking news is consistently a top performer on the FLO TV service, as people strive to stay connected to the world around them," Jonathan Barzilay, FLO TV's senior vice president of programming and advertising, said in a statement. "Adding CNN Mobile to additional devices with our service is a natural fit and keeps our subscribers connected to news and analysis anytime, anywhere."
Programming on FLO's CNN Mobile channel includes Anderson Cooper 360, Larry King Live, The Situation Room, Amanpour, Backstory and Morning Express with Robin Meade.
Other channels available on the FLO service include ABC Mobile, Adult Swim, CBS Mobile, CNBC, Comedy Central, Disney Channel, ESPN Mobile TV, Fox Mobile, Fox News Channel, NBC2Go, Nickelodeon, MSNBC and MTV.
In addition to its portable TV device and automotive solution, FLO is working with Mophie -- a developer of batteries and other accessories for Apple's iPhone devices -- to create a series of products that will let iPhone and iPod touch users access FLO's live mobile TV subscription service.
