Amazon will add a free 24/7 news tab to Prime Video by the end of the year
Amazon has launched a free live news hub on Prime Video, which offers access to major news networks. The initial rollout is focused on the US, but may expand to other regions.
Amazon is taking its next big step beyond entertainment, turning Prime Video into a 24/7 news destination. The company has launched a dedicated news hub directly on the Prime Video homepage, providing free, live access to some of the largest news networks in the United States, including ABC News Live, CBS News 24/7, CNN Headlines, LiveNow from Fox, and NBC News Now. Releasing now and expected to reach all US Prime Video users by the end of December, the update turns Amazon’s streaming platform into a hybrid space for both entertainment and information. No additional subscriptions or cable plans required, just a standard Prime membership, which already has over 200 million subscribers worldwide.
amazon prime news tab
Amazon’s move is one of its most ambitious efforts yet to dominate the living room. The new hub, prominently located in Prime Video’s navigation bar, allows users to switch from movies and shows to live breaking news in just a few clicks. According to the company, this feature will work seamlessly on thousands of supported devices, from smart TVs and Fire Stick to mobile and desktop apps.
But the scale of Amazon’s plan goes far beyond a few major networks. The company says it aims to expand to more than 200 news offerings by the end of the year, which will include everything from regional reporting to expert coverage. This includes Bloomberg TV+ for business news, Fox Weather for live forecasts, NBC Sports Now for sports updates, and Telemundo al da for Spanish-language viewers.
The initial rollout is focused on the US, but may expand to other regions. If successful, Prime Video could become not only a destination for binge watching, but the default home screen for digital life, where breaking news sits next to Hollywood blockbusters and live football.
It’s an aggressive play designed to compete with YouTube TV and traditional cable providers that have long relied on live news as their primary attraction. difference of? Amazon’s offering does not come with a standalone subscription fee. For Prime users who are already paying $14.99 per month (Rs 1,353) or $139 (Rs 12,547) annually, it’s part of the package along with free delivery, music and entertainment streaming.
Redefining the Prime Video Experience
The launch of News Hub signals Amazon’s ambitions to make Prime Video more than a Netflix rival. Instead, the company is pitching it as a comprehensive media hub, a platform where users can watch movies, buy products, check scores and now, stay informed about world events.
The move is also in line with broader changes in viewing habits. As cable subscriptions decline, viewers want on-demand access to news rather than a fixed broadcast schedule. Prime Video’s new hub delivers on that expectation, allowing users to jump into live coverage or curated headlines whenever they want, like streaming a movie or series. The feature follows AI video recaps launched a few weeks ago.
Amazon is also leveraging its technological edge to improve the experience. The X-Ray feature, which overlays trivia and insight into the show, can be easily adapted to provide context to news clips. Its “Shop the Show” function, already used to link products seen in entertainment content, hints at a future where news clips could include interactive elements, for example, related articles, poll data, or live fact-checking.
This launch is an important moment for the media industry. Traditional broadcasters are struggling to retain young audiences, while streaming platforms fight to differentiate in a crowded market. Netflix remains entertainment-first; Disney+ is built on the franchise. However, Amazon is creating a new category, a digital gateway that combines entertainment, information, and interactivity.
As the streaming wars heat up, Amazon’s free 24/7 news tab might be its smartest play yet. For users, this means access to trusted news at no additional cost. For Amazon, this is another step towards complete media integration, ensuring that whether you’re watching The Boys, checking out election results, or ordering kitchen roll, you’re doing it all through Prime.