AMAZON FREEVEE TO CLOSE, PROGRAMMING MOVES TO PRIME VIDEO

After speculation earlier this year - initially denied by Amazon - it has been confirmed that its free streaming service Freevee will close by the end of the year, with all its free programming migrating over to Prime Video.

An Amazon spokesperson told Deadline: "We have built Prime Video into a first-stop entertainment destination where customers can personalize their viewing experience by streaming exclusive Prime member entertainment produced by Amazon MGM Studios, licensed movies and series, content from other services as an add-on subscription, live sports, blockbuster movies and series to rent or buy, FAST Channels and the complete Amazon Freevee content offering..."

They continued: "To deliver a simpler viewing experience for customers, we have decided to phase out Freevee branding. There will be no change to the content available for Prime members, and a vast offering of free streaming content will still be accessible for non-Prime members, including select Originals from Amazon MGM Studios, a variety of licensed movies and series, and a broad library of FAST Channels – all available on Prime Video."

It follows the introduction of adverts to Prime Video programming earlier this year, with an ad-free option available for an additional charge of £2.99 per month.

Amazon explained at the time: "This will allow us to continue investing in compelling content and keep increasing that investment over a long period of time. We aim to have meaningfully fewer ads than ad-supported TV channels and other streaming TV providers"

More details will be announced in due course.