As part of the agreement to bring HBO Max to Fire TV devices, Amazon will remove the HBO channel from Amazon Channels when the current agreement runs out.
Currently, Amazon customers have the option of subscribing to HBO directly through Amazon Channels. Before agreeing to bring HBO Max to Fire TV, WarnerMedia wanted full control over viewer information to collect data for targeted advertising, according to sources for CNBC. That information is important to the company with an ad-supported tier of HBO coming next year.
Customers who are currently subscribed to HBO through Amazon Channels will continue to have access to the channel until the agreement expires next year, and can log into HBO Max at no extra cost via the HBO Max app.
New subscribers can sign up for HBO Max for $14.99/month.
WarnerMedia is now reportedly working to make a deal with Roku, though the company is likely facing a similar obstacle there in fighting to keep control over viewer data.