In a groundbreaking deal, PBS and Amazon have joined forces to bring public television programming to Prime Video. This landmark agreement will make 150 local PBS stations, PBS Kids, and two new FAST channels available to Prime Video users, marking a significant expansion of public television’s reach in the streaming era.
The partnership aims to capitalize on the growing popularity of FAST (free ad-supported television) channels, which have become a significant force in the streaming landscape. While PBS and Amazon’s offering omits advertising, it provides viewers with a wealth of free content, including popular PBS shows and educational programming for children.
Local Stations Go Digital
For the first time, viewers will be able to access their local PBS station’s programming through a major streaming service. However, mirroring the traditional broadcast model, local programming will only be available to viewers within the station’s designated market.
New National Channels
In addition to local stations, Prime Video will feature two new national FAST channels: PBS Drama and PBS Documentaries. These channels will offer a curated selection of popular PBS programs, with content at least five years removed from its original broadcast window to preserve the primacy of local stations.
Expanding Access to Public Television
This partnership expands access to public television content, making it available to a wider audience through Prime Video’s extensive reach. PBS programming will continue to be available through traditional broadcast, the PBS Passport subscription service, and PBS’s own digital platforms.
A Win-Win for PBS and Amazon
The deal is mutually beneficial for both organizations. PBS gains increased visibility and expands its digital footprint, while Amazon enhances its streaming offerings with high-quality, trusted content.