Moonves: CBS May Produce a Show for Netflix

Les Moonves tells analysts he does not view Netflix as a competitor

Les Moonves sees Netflix as a buyer, not a threat. 

On Wednesday, the CBS chief executive officer told analysts that the network is in talks to produce an original series for the subscription service. 

"Until they are doing 22 hours a week of premium content, we do not look at them as a competitor, but rather another place to put our content," Moonves said on a conference call following CBS' fourth quarter earnings announcement.

Also read: Netflix's 'Lilyhammer' and Hulu's 'Battleground' Rely Too Heavily on Tried and True

His attitude contrasts with other entertainment honchos that view Netflix's entry into original programming as a direct threat. 

Time Warner CEO Jeff Bewkes, for instance, pejoratively labeled Netflix a “200-pound chimp" and the "Albanian Army.”

Certain TV execs fear that Netflix might encourage viewers and particularly cable subscribers to shun television for streaming services. 

Also read: CBS Q4 Profits Soar on Streaming Deals (Updated)

Netflix launched its first original series, "Lilyhammer," two weeks ago. It also has "House of Cards," a political series starring Kevin Spacey, and new episodes of the cult series "Arrested Development" in the pipeline. 

Perhaps Moonves' bonhomie is attributable to a strong earnings report. Profits at CBS surged 17 percent to $384 million in the fourth quarter of 2011, capping off a year in which its net income nearly doubled.

Steve Swasey, a spokesman for Netflix, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. 

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