Amazon Boosts Kids' Archive With Public Broadcasting Service

In a bid to enrich the archive of kids’ shows, Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) recently announced a multi-year deal with Public Broadcasting Service (“PBS”). The terms of the deal were kept confidential. This deal will expand the archive of children’s shows on the company’s video streaming site — Amazon Prime Instant Video.

Amazon Instant Video is a digital video streaming and download service that lets users rent, buy or subscribe to a range of video content.

Amazon Prime Instant Video Making PBS Kids’ Shows Free

The deal will make Prime Instant Video the exclusive online subscription service to stream for the majority of PBS series, namely Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood (Seasons 1–6), Arthur (for 4 to 8 year olds), Dinosaur Train, Wild Kratts, Nature Cat, Odd Squad, Peg + Cat, Martha Speaks and WordGirl.

These shows, primarily for preschoolers, are educational in nature. They support social-emotional development and literacy skills, as well as science, technology, engineering and math ("STEM") skills for kids.

All PBS episodes can now be viewed via Amazon Video app for TVs, connected devices including Fire TV, mobile devices and even online at www.amazon.com/primevideo by Prime Instant Video members. In addition to streaming, these episodes can also be downloaded for offline viewing on iPads, iPhones, Android phones and tablets and Fire tablets at no additional cost.

These programs will first premiere on PBS stations nationwide and will then be made available on Amazon Prime Instant Video.

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PBS Deal to Drive Amazon Digital Media Sales

The world’s biggest online giant is taking the necessary steps to expand its user base and thereby increase its sales. We believe that expanding the Prime Instant Video video archive is one of Amazon’s key strategies. It has been striving to boost its digital media sales and attract new users.

The addition of these new PBS series will boost Amazon’s kids’ program line-up, making Prime Instant Video more attractive to viewers. Additionally, this deal is expected to give the company a competitive edge over Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX) and Hulu which already have popular kids’ show sections. Moreover, it will help Amazon to expand its footprint in the growing streaming market at a much faster rate.

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