Andre Yoskowitz
5 Jun 2013 22:16
Amazon has announced a new expanded digital video licensing deal with Viacom to add content to its Amazon Prime service.
The new deal will brings thousands of more TV episodes to the service, and some of the new shows will even be exclusive to Prime.
Making the deal more significant is the fact that Netflix's similar deal with Viacom expired last month and was not renewed. Netflix CEO Reed Hastings says the company is moving towards exclusive and original content rather than expensive non-exclusive bulk deals like the one it had with Viacom.
Prime members will now have access to popular shows like "Awkward," "Tosh.0" and "Workaholics" and kids will get shows like "Dora the Explorer," "Bubble Guppies," and "The Backyardigans."
"Kids' shows are one of the most watched TV genres on Prime Instant Video," Bill Carr, Amazon's vice president of digital video and music, said in a statement. "And this expanded deal will now bring customers the largest subscription selection of Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. TV shows online, anywhere."
Amazon Prime costs $79 per year and gives buyers free 2-day shipping on items they purchase from the e-tailer and other perks including free books for their Kindles and free access to the streaming movie/TV catalog.