Thursday's Market Close – a la carte from Apple? – blip.tv Raised $6M – Rentrak Gets Raycom

Deals: Niche web video platform blip.tv raised $6M in a partial 4th round.

Programming: Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney says he'll cut PBS and like spending saying in Iowa, "We're not going to kill Big Bird, but Big Bird is going to have advertisements." --- A la carte from Apple?  CNET's Josh Lowenstein, citing Sterne Agee analyst Shaw Wu, takes a look here.  While the licensing remains the major question, there is the fact that Apple is good at integrating hardware and software seamlessly. --- Deadline Hollywood has the latest basic cable ratings ... here.

Ratings: Rentrak signed Raycom in 17 markets for StationView Essentials.

Retrans & Renewals: Many going down to the wire ... for the latest info, check your TV.  We do hope you aren't among those waiting until midnight Saturday to sign a new deal.•