Showtime, Starz go OTT with Amazon

Amazon has begun offering US cable channels such as Showtime and Starz to users of its subscription service for under US$10 a month.

Homeland broadcaster Showtime has linked up with Amazon

The online retailer’s Streaming Partners Program launched yesterday and gives Amazon Prime members an alternative to a cable package by letting them pick and choose the SVoD channels they subscribe to.

Homeland broadcaster Showtime and Outlander cablenet Starz are the most high-profile launch partners and will be available for US$8.99 per month.

Amazon is promising the latest episodes of Showtime and Starz series available simultaneous with broadcast and free trials on all subscriptions.

Other subscriptions available include Smithsonian Earth, AMC’s horror movie network Shudder and CuriosityStream, the factual-based VoD service from Discovery Channel founder John Hendricks.

Amazon claims that the OTT streaming subscription service will allow channels to reach “tens of millions” of Prime members and give viewers a more convenient way to manage their streaming subscriptions.

The company will mimic a traditional cable provider by handling all customer service, driving subscriber acquisition and managing all billing and credit card expirations.

“The way people watch TV is changing, and customers need an easier way to subscribe to and enjoy multiple streaming subscriptions,” said Michael Paull, VP of digital video at Amazon.

“With the Streaming Partners Program, we’re making it easy for video providers to reach highly engaged Prime members, many of whom are already frequent streamers, and we’re making it easier for viewers to watch their favourite shows and channels.”

“By marrying Showtime with the powerhouse retail capabilities of Amazon, we continue to greatly expand our footprint, making sure our service is available to new subscribers whenever and however they want to watch us,” said David Nevins, president of Showtime Networks.

“Starz is excited to offer subscriptions to our premium hit shows like Outlander and Power, as well as our thousands of movies, to Amazon Prime customers,” said Chris Albrecht, CEO of Starz.