Time Inc is planning an ad-supported over-the-top (OTT) network that will offer content from its various entertainment media brands, which together have a combined audience of more than 100 million.
lifeThe People/Entertainment Weekly Network will primarily defined by long-form programming consisting of celebrity, pop culture, lifestyle and human interest series, specials and live events. Scheduled to launch this autumn across the landscape of digital platforms and devices, the network will offer more than 100 hours of original programming, including new programming daily, and a robust library of more than 50 hours of content.
Meanwhile, the iconic LIFE brand will be the centrepiece of the company’s virtual reality efforts, and it’s also prepping an all-video, mobile-first brand devoted to today’s ‘new famous.’
LIFE VR will feature storytelling from Time, People, Entertainment Weekly and Sports Illustrated—including news, sports, celebrity, fashion, food, travel, finance and more.
During its upfronts, the company also showcased new programming that included an exclusive production and development project between Sports Illustrated and Kobe Bryant, a new series in which Jenna Bush Hager teams up with Southern Living for Southern in the City, an EW partnership with acclaimed documentarian Morgan Spurlock to launch a new long-form documentary series called POP DOCS, and The Jess Cagle Interview series, featuring the People and EW editorial director sitting down for intimate, candid conversations with the biggest celebrities.
“Today’s showcase represents Time Inc’s ongoing momentum and unlimited potential,” said Rich Battista, president of the Time Entertainment & Sports Group and Video. “We have a collection of some of the world’s most popular media brands that appeal to millions and we can push them even further. We are going to apply the latest technology to deliver our wide-ranging premium video programming to consumers on their favourite platforms and channels. This will also present a significant opportunity for our advertising partners to work with us to leverage our scale and these platforms to connect with our engaged audiences.”
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