Amazon Channels to launch in France

Amazon Channels is to launch in France at the end of the month, according to reports by Les Echos and NPA Conseil.

According to financial daily Les Echos, Amazon will launch its OTT TV channels offering in metropolitan Franceon May 30. The majority of channels will be available for between €3 and €5 without a contract commitment.

Les Echos reports that Amazon Channels in France will include Lagardère’s portfolio of channels such as Canal J, TiJi and MCM, a contract having already been negotiated before the agreed sale of these services to RTL-owned M6 and Gulli.

Les Echos also speculates that US subscription viceo-on-demand service Starzplay and French media group Mediawan will be on board. Mediawan is owner of the former AB Group portfolio of channels.

According to the report, Amazon is likely to seek a revenue share of 50:50 with channel partners but some channels may obtain up to 70%.

Amazon Channels has been available in Europe in the German, Austrian and UK markets since 2017 and launched in Japan last year.

Amazon Prime Video, Amazon’s subscription video offering launched in France in 2016 as part of the e-commerce giant’s big bang expansion of the service to 200 markets.