SDPB is excited to announce that it is among over 150 local PBS stations and the PBS KIDS Channel that launched ad-free on Amazon's Prime Video. This is the first time this programming will be available for free on a major streaming service, free to customers nationwide.
This launch marks a significant milestone for PBS in delivering a curated lineup of its high-quality programming from member stations to a broader audience. FAST (Free Ad-supported Streaming Television) Channels on Amazon are accessible through Prime Video and Fire TV. Non-Prime users will have free access to PBS programming under the "Watch for Free" section within Prime Video.
Despite its status as a FAST Channel, SDPB will continue to be free of advertising. It is available free of charge on the Amazon Prime platform, and no membership is required. Viewers may access the stream at https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/livetv. SDPB is listed under the "Entertainment" category.
"We're thrilled that viewers are able to access SDPB's Television offerings via Amazon Prime Video," said Julie Overgaard, Executive Director of SDPB. "As part of the PBS family, we view it as our mission to make our programming available to viewers free of charge. Having SDPB available on another viewing platform allows our audience greater access to our quality local and national programming."
Additionally, PBS Distribution (PBSd), a leading distributor of public media content worldwide, is offering two new FAST channels: PBS Drama and PBS Documentaries. PBSd will also offer a "pop-up" FAST channel featuring a rotating selection of classic PBS shows, starting with Reading Rainbow.
"PBS member stations will be able to tap into a leading streaming service to offer quality local programming viewers know and love for free," said PBS Chief Digital and Marketing Officer Ira Rubenstein. "It's part of the PBS commitment to make trusted content available to all households across as many platforms as possible. We thank Amazon for giving PBS Member Stations a new and exciting way to grow their digital footprint while engaging with audiences old and new."
"We're delighted to bring PBS's trusted, high-quality programming to our FAST channels," said Ryan Pirozzi, Head of Prime Video Marketplace. "We have put together one of the most exciting FAST offerings today for Prime Video customers, driven by a highly personalized experience and a leading selection of channels featuring fan-favorite series, movies, news, sports, and more. We know our customers will be excited to discover that their beloved PBS member stations and two new PBS FAST Channels are now part of our growing offering."
The agreement with Amazon only provides access to SDPB's main TV channel. Programming on SDPB2 World and SDPB3 Create is available on most cable systems in the state and free over the air via antenna. SDPB is also available on subscription streaming services HULU and YouTubeTV. PBS, PBS KIDS, and local station content is also available at SDPB.org/live, on the SDPB app, on PBS.org and pbskids.org, as well as the PBS app and the PBS KIDS Video app available on iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and smart TVs from Samsung, Xumo, and VIZIO. Local PBS station members can also view an extended library of quality public television programming via PBS Passport.
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About SDPB
The mission of SDPB is to inspire, connect, and entertain South Dakotans with trusted journalism, quality education, and compelling storytelling. SDPB is a statewide, non-commercial, multi-platform network offering programming produced locally and from PBS, NPR, and other public broadcasting outlets. For information about SDPB and the Friends of SDPB, visit SDPB.org or (605) 443-6960.