Time Inc. to Launch OTT Service Based on People & EW Brands

NEW YORK: Time Inc. has introduced the People/Entertainment Weekly Network, a free, advertiser-supported streaming video service focused on celebrity and pop-culture content.

The network will broadcast original, long-form celebrity, pop culture, lifestyle and human-interest series, specials and live event coverage. The OTT service is slated to launch this fall and will offer more than 100 hours of original programming, including new programming daily and a library of more than 50 hours of content.

“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, the president of the Time Inc. entertainment and sports group and video. “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. We look forward to partnering with our advertisers who are increasing their investment in OTT to reach engaged, passionate audiences with dynamic new advertising formats and solutions.”

Jess Cagle, editorial director of People and EW, added: “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. 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.”