Amazon Prime Video to Launch Free 24/7 News Tab by Year-End

Amazon is expanding the Prime Video experience beyond movies and shows by launching a free 24/7 news tab. The new hub offers live access to major US news networks, including ABC News Live, CNN Headlines, Fox’s LiveNOW, and NBC News NOW, without any additional subscription. Rolling out to all US Prime Video users by the end of December 2025, this move transforms Prime Video into a hybrid platform for entertainment and real-time information, making it easier for users to stay updated while streaming their favorite content.

Amazon Launches Free 24/7 News Tab on Prime Video

Amazon is taking a significant step beyond entertainment by transforming Prime Video into a continuous news platform. The company has introduced a dedicated news hub directly on the Prime Video homepage, offering free, live access to major US news networks, including ABC News Live, CBS News 24/7, CNN Headlines, LiveNOW from Fox, and NBC News NOW.

The feature is currently rolling out and is expected to be available to all US Prime Video users by the end of December. No additional subscription or cable plan is required — the standard Prime membership, which has over 200 million subscribers globally, is sufficient.

Prime Video News Hub: Features and Accessibility

Seamless Access Across Devices

Amazon’s new news hub is prominently positioned in the Prime Video navigation bar, enabling users to switch from movies and shows to live news in just a few clicks. The feature is compatible across thousands of supported devices, including smart TVs, Fire Sticks, mobile phones, and desktop apps.

Expansion to Over 200 News Channels

Amazon plans to expand the hub to over 200 news offerings by year-end, covering diverse topics such as business, weather, sports, and Spanish-language news. Key additions include:

• Bloomberg TV+ – Business and financial updates

• FOX Weather – Live forecasts

• NBC Sports NOW – Sports coverage

• Telemundo Al Da – Spanish-language news

While the initial rollout focuses on the US, Amazon may extend the service to other regions if successful.

Competing with Traditional Cable and Streaming Platforms

Amazon’s strategy challenges traditional cable providers and streaming platforms like YouTube TV by offering live news without a standalone subscription fee. Prime members already paying $14.99 per month (Rs 1,353) or $139 annually (Rs 12,547) can now access news along with movies, music, free delivery, and other benefits.

Redefining the Prime Video Experience

The addition of the news hub marks Amazon’s ambition to position Prime Video as a complete media ecosystem, rather than a pure entertainment rival to Netflix or Disney+. Users can now:

• Watch movies and TV shows

• Access live news anytime

• Shop directly via Prime Video features

• Track sports scores and global events

This aligns with changing viewer habits as audiences increasingly prefer on-demand news access over fixed broadcast schedules.

Leveraging Technology for Enhanced Viewing

Amazon could enhance the news hub with its technological features, such as:

• X-Ray – Overlay trivia and insights for context in news clips

• Shop the Show – Potential integration with news clips for interactive elements, related articles, live fact-checking, or election data

Strategic Move in the Streaming Industry

Amazon’s free 24/7 news hub is a bold move in a competitive streaming landscape:

• Netflix remains focused on entertainment-first content

• Disney+ relies heavily on franchise-driven content

• Prime Video integrates entertainment, news, and interactivity into a single platform

This positions Amazon to become the default home screen for digital life, where entertainment and information coexist.

Benefits for Users and Amazon

For users:

• Access credible news 24/7 without extra costs

• Seamless integration alongside entertainment and shopping

• Broad range of news content including regional, business, sports, and international coverage

For Amazon:

• Strengthens Prime Video as a comprehensive media hub

• Encourages engagement and retention of subscribers

• Expands Amazon’s footprint in digital media beyond traditional streaming

What’s Next for Prime Video News Hub

As Amazon expands the hub, the platform could introduce more interactive features, personalized news recommendations, and regional content, positioning Prime Video as a one-stop digital ecosystem for entertainment, news, and information.

Conclusion:

Amazon’s launch of the free 24/7 news tab signals a shift in streaming trends, combining entertainment, news, and interactivity under one platform. For users, it means reliable news without extra fees; for Amazon, it’s another step toward becoming a fully integrated media destination.