The Wall Street Journal set tongues wagging on Thursday when it reported that Amazon could be launching a free ad-supported streaming video service in the coming months, featuring both original and licensed content, to supplement its $99-a-month Amazon Prime service.
But Amazon says it’s not happening.
In an email to StreamDaily, a spokesperson wrote: “We have a video advertising business that currently offers programs like First Episode Free and ads associated with movie and game trailers, and we’re often experimenting with new things, but we have no plans to offer a free streaming media service.”
Amazon, which produces original series like Betas (pictured) and Alpha House, has sent an invite for an announcement in New York on April 2, reading, “Please join us for an update on our video business.” Some have speculated the free streaming service could be part of the announcement, but the consensus seems to be that it will be about the launch of their long-rumored set-top box.