Amazon Prime Video announced a dedicated free news hub for its U.S. subscribers. The streaming giant’s U.S. customers can now tune in to local, national, and global news coverage from major providers, according to its press release.
Amazon said the dedicated news section will be available by the end of the year. It can be found in the top navigation available throughout the Prime Video app, which is available on thousands of devices and available for all Amazon customers in the U.S. at no cost.
Prime Video offers an extensive range of 24/7 live and on-demand news content, including live local and regional news stations, business, finance, and global news, as well as sports, entertainment, Spanish-language, and weather coverage such as BBC News, FOX Weather, Bloomberg TV+, NBC Sports NOW, Telemundo Al Día among many other news channels, and expanding to over 200+ by end of year, according to the release.
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Customers can also access additional news offerings with subscriptions to Peacock Premium Plus, Paramount+, or FOX One among others.
The news hub is accessible to anyone with an Amazon account in the U.S., regardless of Prime membership status, and works on thousands of devices, including TVs, game consoles, and mobile platforms that support the Prime Video app. Members can now browse scheduled programming, tune into live broadcasts, and review recent segments without leaving the Prime Video interface, according to Cord Cutter news.
Earlier this year, Amazon shut down its standalone Freevee app, directing viewers to continue watching Freevee content on Prime Video. The decision “likely reflects a move to simplify its offerings and centralize content on a single platform,” reported TechCrunch.
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Amazon also launched Sony Pictures Core, a new subscription channel in the U.S. and Canada that offers classic movies and shows from Sony’s library, earlier this year. This news hub signals an expansion from just entertainment to information and live news.
Prime Video normally comes with a Prime membership that costs $14.99/month or $139/year, with limited ads and an ad-free upgrade option. Prime membership also includes free Two-Day Delivery and discounted plans such as Prime Access and Prime for Young Adults.
Earlier this year, several major streaming platforms including Netflix, Apple TV +, Disney+, HBO Max, Peacock, Dropout.tv, and Paramount, all have raised their prices. This move reportedly came in a bid to survive and address higher expenses for the production of quality content.