Amazon has confirmed plans to offer live TV channels in the UK, Germany and Austria alongside its sVOD service Prime Video. These will include channels from Discovery Communications, such as Eurosport for GBP 6.99 a month and Discovery Channel for GBP 4.99 a month, as well as ad-free access to ITV channels and catch-up for GBP 3.99 per month.
The cost of the channels is in addition to the annual fee of GBP 79/EUR 69 to join Amazon Prime. As well as the traditional television channels, viewers will be able to pay for curated channels of programmes to stream on-demand, such as the Yoga Anytime Channel and Horse & Country Play. Other channels offered in the UK include NBCUniversal’s reality TV service Hayu, Amazon’s own Bollywood channel Heera, and films from providers including the BFI and studio MGM. All are delivered on the Amazon Prime Video app, the same as the sVOD service.
In Germany and Austria, the company announced around 25 channels to start, including Syfy Horror from NBCUniversal, GEO Televison from RTL, and film channels MGM and Mubi. Prices start at EUR 1.99 per month, with a 14-day free trial offered. All channels can be cancelled monthly, and Amazon handles all billing.
Alex Green, managing director of Amazon Video, said the company plans to add more linear channels going forward. The company already introduced the Amazon Channels service in the US in late 2015, offering premium channels such as Showtime and Starz and a range of other subscriptions.
