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Amazon considering pay-TV streaming service: report

Image: A box from Amazon.com
Online retailer Amazon is among several companies that are trying to own the living room with TV programming piped through the Internet.Rick Wilking / Reuters

Amazon is in the early stages of developing a pay-TV streaming service with live programming, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal.

Amazon approached at least three media companies, people familiar with the matter told the Journal.

A representative for Amazon said, "We continue to build selection for Prime Instant Video and create original shows at Amazon Studios, but we are not planning to license television channels or offer a pay-TV service."

Amazon now offers on-demand TV shows and movies free to customers who are members of Amazon's premium shipping service Prime.

The world's largest online retailer is joining the ranks of several other companies including Sony that are trying to own the living room with TV programming piped through the Internet. Intel tried as well, though it scrapped its ambitions and sold its project to Verizon earlier on Tuesday for an undisclosed sum.

Note: This story was updated on Jan. 22 to include a quote from an Amazon representative.