Verizon and Hearst have formed a joint venture to develop new digital video channels and programming targeted at the mobile millennial audience. The Verizon Hearst Media Partners venture will pair Verizon’s technology and Hearst’s digital video content and production capabilities to develop two initial channels of video programming to be distributed across go90, AOL and other distribution platforms, as well as through third-party networks and licensors.
The two new channels will be RatedRed.com and Seriously.TV. RatedRed.com will be a multiplatform digital video channel for millennials from the heartland, with news updates, documentaries and scripted and nonscripted series across topics like music, food, outdoor life, military affairs, politics and faith. Seriously.TV will be a multiplatform digital video channel offering comedic news updates throughout the day at a time when younger viewers are turning to their phones instead of late-night programming for their take on world events.
Both channels are expected to launch in time for the NewFronts, an annual series of events for advertisers and media buyers committed to showcasing the creation of valuable partnerships between brands and native digital programming. Verizon Hearst Media Partners will be headquartered in New York City. Additional details of the venture will be announced at a later date.
