Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN) Signs Deal with Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc. (SNI)

Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) – a favorite stock play by nearly 60 equity hedge funds we watch –  has been making some headlines with its aggressive push to  improve its video-streaming library for its Amazon Prime Instant Video service, which has been gathering momentum since it launched last year with a $79 annual subscription that includes the Amazon Prime shipping feature of free two-day shipping on items.

There was recent news that Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) became the exclusive streaming home for episodes of the hit PBS/BBC series “Downton Abbey,” which has captivated the U.S. Now, Amazon has stepped out to take on a bigger bite, as it has announced a licensing agreement with Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc. (NYSE:SNI) , which allows Amazon to stream episodes of popular shows on the Scripps family of cable networks like Food Network, HGTV, DIY Network, Cooking Channel and Travel Channel.

Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN)Some of these shows include Iron Chef America, House Hunters, Man vs. Food, Throwdown with Bobby Flay and Chopped, among others. Many of these programs will also be available for purchase and download directly from Amazon Instant Video. This marks the first online-only subscription-based video distribution contract for Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc. (NYSE:SNI).

“The Scripps family of networks – including HGTV, DIY Network, Food Network, Cooking Channel and Travel Channel – airs some of the highest-quality and most popular unscripted lifestyle programming on TV today,” said Amazon.com digital video content chief Brad Beale. “We are excited to be the exclusive online-only subscription home for Scripps content and know our customers are going to love getting these great shows as part of Prime.”

What do you think about this deal? Are you a fan of any of the Scripps networks or these shows, and what are your thoughts about getting these shows stremed through Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) Prime Instant Video? Let us know your thoughts, including how you think this might help Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc. (NYSE:SNI).

DISCLOSURE: I own no positions in any stock mentioned.

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