Although several indications lead to believing that Prime Video is preparing a new model that would combine its current catalog with live content and linear TV, the platform has denied the claims.
Amazon is preparing to launch linear and live programming within its Prime Video platform. That is, according to a report by Protocol, based on multiple job offers published by the company in recent weeks.
According to the article, the content would include news and live sports, as well as TV channels with series and movies. Thus, the OTT platform would differ from rivals such as Netflix or Disney+, which only offer a catalog by subscription.
Protocol also quotes an anonymous source, who says Amazon has been “actively looking for” deals to license linear and live programming.
“We are expanding not only the breadth of the live content we offer, but also the depth of the experience,” says one of Amazon’s job ads.
“This is a transformative opportunity, the chance to be at the vanguard of a program that will revolutionize Prime Video.”
However, Amazon was in charge of denying the news. In an email sent to Next TV on Wednesday, the company explained that the job offers refer to existing teams focused on local broadcasting, which are already within the Amazon Prime Video Channels portfolio.
“They are not part of any new strategic expansion of linear and live video programming,” said the platform representative.
In addition, he recalled that the Amazon Prime Video Channels service has hundreds of linear live channel feeds available around the world.
For example, explained the Amazon spokesperson, ViacomCBS’ SVOD service, CBS All Access, is available in a disaggregated form in the Prime Video Channels app, and allows subscribers to view via streaming their local CBS station.
