Amazon to launch free TV channels on Prime Video?

By
published

The US company has posted a 'head of free-to-air TV and advertising' job advert.

Watch out European broadcasters, Amazon looks to be gearing up to launch free channels on its Prime Video service.

The US company is advertising a London-based 'head of free-to-air TV and advertising' job role, as spotted by This Is Money. The strong implication is it plans to delve into free-to-air commercial broadcasting - at least in the UK.

MORE: Amazon Prime Day 2018 - the date, the deals, the details

Any new free channels would likely be supported by adverts and would expand on Amazon’s existing (albeit limited) ad-supported TV offering, which is available to Prime subscribers forking out £79 a year for the retailer’s streaming service.

According to the This Is Money report, Amazon says it wants to expand the number of channels on offer, possibly by striking agreements with European broadcasters.

Naturally this would give commercial channels such as ITV, Channel 4 and Channel another rival.

With Amazon recently bagging exclusive rights to livestream 20 Premier League matches per season from 2019, it’s already loosened Sky and BT’s stranglehold - are the country's longest-established broadcasters next?

MORE:

Best Amazon Prime UK deals

19 Amazon Prime Video tips, tricks and features

Leaked documents reveal Amazon Prime Video viewership

Amazon Prime Video vs Netflix – which is better?

The best 4K movies and TV shows to watch right now

Becky Roberts
Becky Roberts

Becky is the managing editor of What Hi-Fi? and, since her recent move to Melbourne, also the editor of Australian Hi-Fi magazine. During her 10+ years in the hi-fi industry, she has reviewed all manner of audio gear, from budget amplifiers to high-end speakers, and particularly specialises in headphones and head-fi devices. In her spare time, Becky can often be found running, watching Liverpool FC and horror movies, and hunting for gluten-free cake.