On September 13, Time Inc. (NYSE:TIME) will launch the People/Entertainment Weekly Network (PEN), an ad supported, free streaming video network from two of the world's most respected entertainment media brands. PEN will offer viewers an always-on experience and a long form programming format of daily exclusive celebrity, pop culture, human interest and lifestyle series, specials and live event coverage from People and Entertainment Weekly (EW). More than 300 hours of new programming are planned for the network's first year, with 14 original shows and specials premiering during PEN's launch month. Viewers will also have access to an extensive library of on-demand video featuring many of Time Inc.'s most popular, award-winning programs, series and specials.
The network has distribution with Amazon Fire TV, Google Chromecast, Comcast's Xfinity, Xumo and PlutoTV. PEN will also be available on Roku Players, iOS (available on iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV) and Android mobile devices and at People.com/PEN. Initial advertising partners include Alcon DAILIES TOTAL1 contact lenses, L'Oreal USA and MillerCoors. The network is also backed by an extensive multimedia marketing campaign from Time Inc.
"PEN is designed to be a network for the future with its premium long-form video delivered directly to consumers through multiple platforms and channels," said Rich Battista, President, Time Inc. Brands. "We have a strong foundation of outstanding original programming and partnerships with leading multiplatform distributors and blue chip advertising partners from day one. We are excited to lead Time Inc. and the industry into the free, ad supported OTT space."
Jess Cagle, Editorial Director for People and Entertainment Weekly, added: "Every day, People and Entertainment Weekly make an impact in meaningful ways through heartwarming-and sometimes heartbreaking-stories, in-depth profiles of some of the world's most interesting personalities and our insider access to the events that are making news in pop culture and beyond. Our new network will extend those connections onto the living room screens of our fans every day. Its launch is an important step in the evolution of the brands and is a very exciting moment for all of us."
People and EW's behind-the-velvet-rope access, decades of established relationships and editorial expertise will be central to the network's content. In addition to pre-produced programming, PEN will be on the scene with extensive coverage of awards shows, festivals and premieres. Its first week underscores that by offering major interviews with Jimmy Kimmel, Patrick Dempsey and Rory Feek, a moving documentary with children who lost parents they never knew during the tragic events of 9/11 and a major bi-coastal live special devoted to the glitz and glamour of the Emmys red carpet. The following are major programming highlights for PEN's launch week:
Also premiering in September are Hollywood At Home, a new series that gives viewers a unique look at how their favorite stars live-the ultimate celebrity open house!-with STEVE HARVEY and Kathy Griffin up first; and People Mom Talk, a firsthand look into how celebrities experience both the joys and challenges of motherhood.
PEN will also feature insider access to Time Inc.'s star-studded events, such as SPORTS ILLUSTRATED Swimsuit, the Time 100, Essence Festival, Food & Wine Classic in Aspen and more. The most popular programming from the Time Inc. stable of brands will be featured on the network, including two Emmy award-nominated programs: Year in Space from Time and Underdogs from Sports Illustrated.
ABOUT THE PEOPLE/ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY NETWORK: PEN is a groundbreaking, ad supported, free streaming service from two of the world's most respected and celebrated entertainment media brands. Available on leading OTT platforms, smart TVs, mobile devices and the web, PEN will deliver daily exclusive celebrity, pop culture, human interest and lifestyle long-form series and specials, as well as extensive live coverage of major award shows and premieres. The network will also make available an extensive library of award-winning on-demand programming from Time Inc.'s stable of best-in-class brands and will showcase coverage of many of the company's branded events, festivals and franchises, such as SPORTS ILLUSTRATED Swimsuit, the Time 100, Essence Festival and the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen. Advancing the Time Inc. strategy to innovate beyond traditional distribution channels and create compelling viewing experiences that drive engagement across all platforms, PEN is the latest progression for the People and EW brands, which collectively reach an audience of 108 million (MPA 360, July 2016), more than any other in the entertainment news category. The network has deals in place to launch content on Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Comcast Xfinity, Xumo and PlutoTV. PEN will also be available on Roku Players, iOS and Android mobile devices and at People.com/PEN.
ABOUT TIME INC. Time Inc. (NYSE:TIME) is one of the world's leading media companies, with a monthly global print audience of over 120 million and worldwide digital properties that attract more than 150 million visitors each month, including over 60 websites. Our influential brands include People, Sports Illustrated, InStyle, Time, Real Simple and Southern Living, as well as more than 50 diverse titles in the United Kingdom.
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