by Thinus Ferreira
Amazon Prime Video is looking to expand its video streaming service into offering linear TV channels as well.
Amazon Prime Video has started to advertise positions for technical and marketing people who will have to work at integrating "24/7 linear broadcast TV content" into its existing over-the-top (OTT) video streaming service, similar to how MultiChoice is currently offering some linear TV news channels through its Showmax subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) service.
"We are seeking an experienced product manager for the Prime Video linear TV team to redefine how customers watch 24/7 linear broadcast TV content," says Amazon in a job posting.
"Linear TV enables customers to watch 24/7 streams of their favourite TV stations airing programmes including sports, news, movies, award shows, special events and TV shows. You will be responsible for designing the end-to-end customer experience for how customers discover and watch linear TV content," the job posting description says.
In another similar job posting, Amazon Prime Video says it's looking for a "senior software development engineer" who will have to work on "Linear 24/7 television or broadcast programming" as "one of the key options for Prime Video customers".
Yet another job posting from Amazon Prime Video says "we in Prime Video Catalog are building next gen linear catalog systems to provide best-in-class linear TV experience to Prime Video customers. It is Day 1 for the linear TV experience on Prime Video".
Amazon Prime Video had no comment in response to a media enquiry.
Amazon Prime Video will likely add live sports coverage, TV news channels, movies and possibly even thematic TV show linear channels.
Earlier this month MultiChoice revealed in its 2019/2020 financial report presentation that it plans to add both Netflix and Amazon Prime Video as OTT services to its new DStv Explora decoder that will be released before the end of 2020.
