Sports Media Report
Time Inc. (NYSE:TIME) today announced the debut of the new Sports Illustrated/Sports Illustrated 2 sports broadcasting and digital networks licensed in partnership with ASN Ltd. The networks feature live, and in some cases exclusive, broadcasts of global sporting events and original video programming from SI Group brands—Sports Illustrated, Sports Illustrated Kids, Golf and FanSided. Sports Illustrated/Sports Illustrated 2 broadcasts across 20 pay-TV operators in 12 countries.
“This exciting launch speaks to the power of the Sports Illustrated brand and the growing multimedia, multi-platform capabilities that we offer on an international scale,” said Steve Marcopoto, President, Time Inc. International. “We are thrilled to be working with our partners at ASN to bring the dynamic Sports Illustrated/Sports Illustrated 2 properties to this growing Asian region.”
The Sports Illustrated/Sports Illustrated 2 networks are Hong Kong-based, Pan-Asian pay TV sports channels, companion websites and mobile apps, formerly known as ASN and ASN2.
“We see this as an opportunity to establish the Sports Illustrated brand as the destination for sports fans in Asia. Combining Sports Illustrated’s unparalleled access, in-depth reporting and emotional storytelling with a new technical platform from Time Inc., we are now delivering integrated content across TV, web and mobile,” said Thomas Kressner, CEO and Founder of ASN.
The new networks leverage Time Inc.’s access, video, technology, marketing and international expansion initiatives with ASN’s established presence and growing popularity in the region. Time Inc. has also provided the infrastructure technology for the networks’ websites and mobile apps that power the scalability of the initiative. Time Inc. and ASN are working together on new marketing and advertising sales opportunities.
Time Inc. International manages 77 licensed editions in 170 countries including brands such as InStyle, Fortune and People. Sports Illustrated has licensed local print editions in China (+ web) and India. Golf has licensed print editions and websites in Australia, China, Korea, Malaysia and Taiwan (print only). Marcopoto, recently appointed to the newly created position of President, Time Inc. International, is expanding Time Inc.’s business portfolio in markets outside the United States through digital, video and TV platforms, partnerships, acquisitions, licensing and off-channel commerce.
