Time Inc. is going over-the-top. At its NewFronts presentation, the publishing company announced a new venture called the People/Entertainment Weekly Network, which will bring content from its two titular brands to OTT devices and other digital platforms.
When it launches in the fall, the People/Entertainment Weekly Network is expected to carry more than 100 hours of original content, with new videos added to that total each day. The network’s offerings will blend live coverage, short-form pieces, and long-form content, and Time Inc. believes that a combination of those formats will lead to a superlative library. “Very few companies can master all three,” said Time Inc. President of Video Rich Battista of his team’s triple threat.
Like most other NewFronts presenters, Time Inc. used its pitch to unveil a number of original programs it plans to release in the coming year. The publisher’s slate includes an animated short film about Kobe Bryant, which will be distributed by Sports Illustrated; an interview series hosted by People/EW editorial director Jess Cagle; and a Southern Living program hosted by Jenna Bush Hager, the daughter of President George W. Bush. Details about Time Inc.’s full NewFronts slate is available over at Variety.
