Publisher Time Inc. launches new IPTV network saying ‘time is right to go direct to consumers’

Magazine publisher Time Inc. is starting its own push into the ad-funded TV content space launching its own over the top (OTT) content channel the People Entertainment Network.

Rich Battista, president of content for Time, told its Newfront presentation in New York they were launching the new IPTV network because “the delivery of over-the-top video is progressing rapidly and our company never participated in the TV ecosystem, but now we have the ability to do it”.

“We believe there is an unique opportunity to go direct to consumers with a lean back long form experience,” he added. 

Battista told the room Time was focused on a social, short form and long form video content strategy, noting that he now believed that the number of smart TV in the US had reached a critical mass.