CNN introduced advertisers to its storytelling startup, Great Big Story, and Time Inc announced a new video network to a packed Gotham Hall in New York.
A presentation by CNN president Jeff Zucker included an intro video of a Boy Scout comparing his toolkit to the tools storytellers can use to take their brands "beyond the wilderness of ad
blockers."
Zucker said: "Today is not about CNN, and it's not about news or headlines. It's about something different and truly remarkable. It's about the first company we've launched in
35 years that doesn't boast those three little letters the world knows so well."
Great Big Story currently earns more than 40 million monthly video views across platforms, and so far,
it's worked with HP and GE. It has plans to launch on Snapchat, Apple News, Roku, Facebook Messenger and others. Some say it's CNN's answer to BuzzFeed's viral, youth-focused content.
Rob Sands, head of distribution and partnerships with
Great Big Story, which launched in October, said the company offers creative, intellectual brand integrations.
"The audience today is intelligent enough to know when they're being
sold to," Sands said. The company offers brands the option of creating original stories or distributing existing brand stories. Great Big Story is funded by CNN and Turner, but it's editorially
independent, Sands said.
Zucker mentioned the network's average viewer age: 27. Is this another Millennial-focused network? No, Sands said. GBS is for anyone who's intellectually curious.
Viewers tend to be successful urban dwellers with influence over their peer group and friends.
"They crave knowledge and information," Sands said, adding: "They've got buying power."
Time Inc. Announces Network, VR Series and Data Capabilities
Time Inc.'s NewFront presentation on Thursday morning was packed -- the line wrapped around the block.
Celebs including actress Sarah Paulson, former First Daughter Jenna Bush and filmmaker Morgan Spurlock all took the stage to hype the media company's programming.
Announcements included
the shows "A Year in Space"; "Dear Basketball," an animated series based on Kobe Bryant's life for Sports Illustrated; a Jenna Bush series with Southern
Living called "Southern in the City"; Morgan Spurlock's "EW Pop Docs"; and a virtual reality series from Life.
Time also announced the launch
of a People and Entertainment Weekly video network defined by long-form programming, with a built-in audience of 100 million people who read the
publications.
Time Inc. digital president Jen Wong said: "Our brands are trusted and they're certainly known to all."
On the topic of the company's acquisition of Viant, Wong said Time Inc can offer advanced data, targeting and
measurement, as well as smart TV and mobile insights.
Viant is a joint venture partner of OTT platform startup Xumo, which announced the premiere of 10 premium channel
partners: Network A; Reuters; PBS Digital Studios; Bonnier’s Field & Stream, Saveur and Cycle World; Mashable; The Onion and A.V.
Club; and Fandor.
"We know what works," Wong said. "Because of this massive content engine, working with us is easy -- turnkey."