Amazon could be making its next big move—into news. After the success of its free-to-stream special, “Election Night with Brian Williams,” the company appears to be exploring new opportunities in the media landscape.
The special, hosted by former NBC correspondent Brian Williams, was available to all viewers, including those without an Amazon Prime Video membership. According to Variety, the broadcast attracted approximately 4 million viewers, signaling strong interest in Amazon’s live news content.
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While Amazon explores a potential news outlet, other media companies have faced challenges. Paramount Global laid off 2,000 employees from CBS News at the end of 2024. Meanwhile, BuzzFeed sold its popular series, “Hot Ones,” as part of a cost-reduction process. BuzzFeed announced that it cut over $150 million in debt by the end of 2023.
News wouldn’t be Amazon Prime Video’s only major endeavor. The platform holds an exclusive contract with the NFL to air “Thursday Night Football.” In addition, its new competition series, “Beast Games,” hosted by YouTuber MrBeast, showcases 1,000 contestants competing for a $5 million prize.
Amazon told Variety its news plans are in early development. The company is reportedly more interested in creating specials tied to major events rather than building a full-fledged news division.
[KENNEDY FELTON]
Just when you thought Amazon couldn’t expand any further, the company is possibly looking to tap into the world of news.
“We’ve decided to put ourselves in the middle of America,” says Brian Williams in the Amazon election night special.
After the former NBC correspondent took on “Election Night with Brian Williams,” Variety reports Amazon is now exploring possible news concepts. The special was free to watch, even without an Amazon Prime Video membership. Viewership reportedly drew around 4 million viewers, according to sources who shared the exclusive with Variety.
Despite recent struggles in the media industry, Amazon seems to be charting a different course. Paramount Global, for instance, laid off around 2,000 employees from CBS News toward the end of last year.
And media company BuzzFeed recently sold its “Hot Ones” in an effort to reduce costs. They announced December 2024 it had cut more than 150 million dollars of debt since the end of 2023.
But news wouldn’t be Amazon Prime Video’s biggest move. The company already holds an exclusive contract to air Thursday Night Football in partnership with the NFL.
And Amazon is making waves with Beast Games – a competition hosted by YouTuber MrBeast. The series features 1,000 contestants taking on extreme challenges for a shot at 5 million dollars.
Amazon tells Variety that its plans for a full news division are still in the early stages. The company says it’s more interested in producing specials tied to major events than developing a full-fledged news sector.
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