Amazon to Roll Out Ads on Prime Video in 2024 – or Pay More for a Quiet Stream
Amazon is shaking up its Prime Video service with the introduction of adverts in 2024. UK Prime members, along with subscribers in the US, Germany, and Canada, will soon see ads peppered throughout their streaming – unless they cough up extra for a new “ad-free” option.
Say Hello to Ads – or Pay More
The tech giant announced that its streaming platform will kick off adverts early next year, aligning with rivals like Netflix and Disney+ who have already dabbled in ad-supported tiers. Amazon insists Prime Video still offers “very compelling value” despite this change.
For those who hate commercials, the “ad-free” subscription will cost an added $2.99 (£2.44) per month for US users, with prices for the UK and other countries to be revealed later. Currently, UK Prime membership, which bundles free one-day delivery with streaming, costs £8.99 a month or £95 a year.
Ads to Spread Worldwide
Amazon’s ad plans don’t stop at the UK, US, Germany, and Canada. France, Italy, Spain, Mexico, and Australia will get the full commercial experience later in 2024. This is part of Amazon’s push to funnel more cash into original TV shows and movies – a move that’ll no doubt divide fans.
Retail Sales Bounce Back
In other news, retail sales in the UK nudged up by 0.4% last month, or 0.6% excluding fuel sales, according to the Office for National Statistics. Stronger clothes sales helped boost figures, while fuel sales slipped 1.2%, hit by rising pump prices from global oil hikes.
Interest Rates and Inflation Watch
Boston Federal Reserve President Susan Collins warned that interest rates might still rise, as inflation remains “uncertainly contained.” Policymakers need patience to see the real data before hitting their 2% inflation target. Collins flagged ongoing worries about high inflation in some service sectors despite recently positive signs.
Warner Bros Expansion Brings 4,000 UK Jobs
Warner Bros Discovery is massively expanding its UK studios at Leavesden, where a chunk of Barbie was filmed. The expansion will boost capacity by over 50% and is set to create around 4,000 jobs nationwide. The studio will also become home to DC Studios, famed for Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman.
Warner Bros predicts this will pump an extra £200 million a year into UK production, bringing the total to £600 million. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt hailed the move as “a huge vote of confidence in the UK.”
