LGBT-Focused Channel Here TV Expands to Amazon

LGBT channel Here TV once again expanded beyond premium cable today with its launch on Amazon -- which, for its part, is investing heavily in becoming a player in video.

Amazon has drawn raves already from LGBT viewers for its award-winning original series Transparent, about a family headed by a trans woman. Amazon Prime subscribers have long been able to access Amazon's library of series and films. Then Amazon began launching channels for add-on subscriptions, and that lineup now includes Here TV.

The channel, which is a sister company to The Advocate, started in 2002 as a subscription on-demand service on major cable operators including Comcast and Time Warner. It expanded recently to YouTube Premium and Hulu. Amazon is the latest web-based means of subscribing.

"The offering makes Here TV content available to a highly engaged streaming audience in an easy to use manner," said John Mongiardo, senior vice president for Here TV.

"The way people watch TV is changing, and customers want easier access to their favorite shows, regardless of device or subscription," said Richard Au, the director of content acquisition for Amazon. "We're thrilled that Amazon Prime members will now have the option to subscribe to Here TV on Amazon Video and view all the great premium content they have to offer."

The lengthy list of series, films, and documentaries available includes the recently premiered straight-versus-gay game show, Modd Couples, Academy Award-winning drama Departures, and the Emmy-nominated documentary 30 Years From Here. Subscriptions sell for $7.99 per month after a 14-day free trial.