S-I TV Launches Thursday

Time Inc. on Thursday will launch Sports Illustrated TV, a subscription streaming service built around its iconic sports publication, as the company tries to counter punishing economics in its legacy business with bets on digital media and video.

The Wall Street Journal reports the service, priced at $4.99 a month, will initially be accessible only on Amazon Channels, which allows Amazon Prime members to subscribe to more than 130 subscription video channels.

The network is expected to launch with 130 hours of content, including a mix of original documentary series, studio shows, programming related to the Sports Illustrated swimsuit franchise, and a package of sports movies. It will not air any live sporting events.

“It gives us a way to optimize what people most value about Sports Illustrated: deep storytelling and journalism that matters,” said Chris Stone, editor in chief of the Sports Illustrated Group, in an interview. “Our stories will translate very well to a streaming platform, and we’re approaching stories from both perspectives.”

Sports Illustrated has a print circulation of 2.8 million, according to the Alliance for Audited Media. Mr. Stone said he hopes many of the magazine’s subscribers will sign up for the subscription video service.

The new service comes at a crucial juncture for the Sports Illustrated franchise, long one of Time Inc.’s most important properties. Last month, in a cost-cutting move that reflects the difficult environment for print magazines, Time Inc. said it would publish only 27 print issues of Sports Illustrated in 2018, including the Swimsuit edition, down from 38 in 2017.

Rich Battista, Time Inc.’s chief executive, has consistently emphasized the company’s digital and video efforts. He told investors recently that the company’s non-magazine revenue sources are expected to generate about $1 billion this year. That includes about $700 million from digital advertising, content licensing and syndication, digital-only subscriptions and other digital services, plus $300 million from brand extensions, events and television.

The five original shows greenlit for SI TV around launch include the following:

Premium original documentary series:

• “The Vault”—SPORTS ILLUSTRATED has a track record of industry-leading journalism and storytelling going back to 1954. "The Vault" revisits the most impactful of these stories and brings them to life with new on-camera interviews.
• “SI: Under the Cover”—Current subjects in the magazine burst onto the screen. From interviews with high-profile athletes like Julio Jones to an inspiring one-handed linebacker, this is where SPORTS ILLUSTRATED’S world-class reporting jumps off the page and onto the screen.

Original weekly studio shows:

• “The Crossover”—A basketball lifestyle show featuring engaging discussion about the players, games, culture, fashion and memes. Hosted by SI.com writers Matt Dollinger and Rohan Nadkarni.
• “Planet Futbol”—Hosted by the USA's preeminent soccer writer, Grant Wahl, "Planet Futbol" is a deep dive into the sport around the globe with top-flight guests from Europe and the Americas.
• “The Line” (working title)—An entertaining and informative show about sports wagering and daily fantasy.