NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Time Inc. (NYSE:TIME) has formed a groundbreaking marketing and distribution partnership with Ziosk®, maker of the world’s first ordering, entertainment and pay-at-the-table tablet for the restaurant market, it was announced today. Award-winning celebrity, pop culture, lifestyle and sports content from Time Inc. flagship properties People, Sports Illustrated (SI) and Entertainment Weekly (EW) will be syndicated through Ziosk’s tablet to a national network of 3,000 restaurants that offer the device. Ziosk currently has more than 170,000 tablets interacting with 50 million patrons per month. As part of the agreement, Ziosk and Time Inc. are also collaborating on advertising sales efforts and cross-platform promotions.
This alliance is part of the broader Time Inc. strategy to extend the reach of its iconic brands and bring them to new audiences through off-channel distribution. The Ziosk tableside tablet adds a new dimension for marketers to align their messaging with these three brands and reach consumers through new channels. At present, People and EW collectively reach more than 108 million, and Sports Illustrated reaches 73 million across its product portfolio. The new deal builds on the massive scale of the three brands.
“We are delighted to be working with Ziosk to extend the reach of the best-in-class content from People, SI and EW to millions of consumers,” said Time Inc.’s Joseph LaFalce, Executive Director of Business Development. “This deal underscores our plan to expand beyond our core properties to leverage the diverse ecosystem of third-party digital platforms, emerging media channels and device-driven networks to reach consumers everywhere and to derive maximum value and growth for our business.”
The Ziosk Media Network features a channel for each Time Inc. brand, highlighting free daily content in entertainment, pop culture and sports news and analysis, delivered through Ziosk’s media network of leading restaurant groups. Chili’s and Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews are the first restaurant brands to make this content available to dining guests. More Ziosk restaurant partners will join these leaders in the next several weeks.
“Providing restaurant guests with exciting and unique content at the table remains a top priority for Ziosk as we continuously look for new and innovative ways to enhance the dining experience,” said Austen Mulinder, CEO of Ziosk. “This partnership with Time Inc. underscores our commitment to content and to being part of the conversation at the table, enabling guests to stay informed on the latest in sports and entertainment news from the titles they love and trust.”
ABOUT TIME INC.
Time Inc. (NYSE:TIME) is one of the world's leading media companies, with a monthly global print audience of over 120 million and worldwide digital properties that attract more than 150 million visitors each month, including over 60 websites. Our influential brands include People, Entertainment Weekly, Sports Illustrated, InStyle, Time, Real Simple and Southern Living, as well as more than 50 diverse titles in the United Kingdom.
ABOUT ZIOSK
Based in Dallas, Ziosk® is the maker of the first entertainment, ordering and pay-at-the-table tablet for the restaurant market. The technology, featuring a 7-inch tablet and encrypted credit card reader, resides on each table and enables guests to see menu items, play games, view news and entertainment, order food and beverages and “pay on demand,” all of which gives guests control over their dining experience. With its interactive capabilities, Ziosk and its footprint have created the Ziosk® Media Network, a digital media platform for partners to create engaging experiences at the point of purchase. Ziosk is revolutionizing the experience and economics of dining. For more information, please visit www.ziosk.com.
