Time Inc. launches OTT service called the People/Entertainment Weekly Network
Time Inc. has debuted the People/Entertainment Weekly Network (PEN), an advertiser-supported streaming video platform around entertainment media, it announced at its annual NewFront presentation.
Time Inc. launches OTT service called the People/Entertainment Weekly Network.
“The People/Entertainment Weekly Network will distinguish itself by being the first free-to-consumer, advertiser-supported OTT service in the entertainment news category, creating original programming specifically designed for the lean-back, long-form environment,” said Rich Battista, President of the Time Inc. Entertainment and Sports Group and Video in a statement. “We are confident that this network, anchored by the unparalleled access and storytelling prowess of the iconic People and EW brands, will prove to be a major new addition to the OTT space.”
In an opportunity to diversify revenue from traditional magazine publications, PEN will be available as an app, a streaming service on connected devices such as Roku, Amazon Fire, Chromecast, AppleTV and on People’s website.
The content will be focused on celebrities, human interest, entertainment like “Game of Thrones” and “Star Wars” and live events, including the Emmy Awards. The network will live stream 24/7, will provide five hours of originals and a host of syndicated shows.
“These unique brands are not only cultural forces. They occupy a special place in the hearts of consumers. EW taps into the pop-culture obsessions of its audience and takes them deep into the creative process. People entertains, empowers and inspires its devoted, massive audience with amazing and trusted storytelling,” said Jess Cagle, editorial director of People and EW. “This exciting OTT network, like all our brand extensions, will be built from the same DNA that has made these brands an indispensable part of the audience’s lives. We’re giving the consumer more of something they already love."