Roku gets PEN (People / Entertainment Weekly Network)
Streaming media is more than just TV, movies, and sports. If you are more interested in real events -- as opposed to just mindless fiction -- there are plenty of news, lifestyle, and public interest options too. Heck, even Hollywood gossip can be a nice escape from the stresses of daily life.
Today, Roku gains access to the PEN channel. Not familiar with it? Neither was I, but it is actually very cool. It is a joint partnership between two major media publications -- People and Entertainment Weekly. This looks to be a match made in heaven, as they both offer entertainment news and fairly light public interest stories. It should prove brilliant for relaxing and temporarily getting your mind off your daily responsibilities.
"The PEN channel offers Roku customers an always-on experience and a long form programming format of daily, exclusive, celebrity, pop culture, human interest and lifestyle series, specials and live event coverage. People and Entertainment Weekly’s (EW) behind-the-velvet-rope access brings you extensive coverage of awards shows, festivals, premieres and interviews", says About Bernarda Duarte,
Content Acquisition Director, Roku.
Duarte further explains, "PEN will also feature insider access to Time Inc.'s star-studded events, such as Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, the Time 100, Essence Festival, Food and Wine Classic in Aspen and more. The most popular programming from the Time Inc. stable of brands will be featured on the network, including two Emmy award-nominated programs: Year in Space from Time and Underdogs from Sports Illustrated".
Cord cutters should appreciate yet another source of free media, and there is some interesting things planned. For instance, PEN will be broadcasting Red Carpet coverage for the upcoming Emmy Awards, and of course, many celebrity interviews too. Taking a more serious and reflective tone, there is even a documentary that looks at children that were directly impacted by the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Ready to check it out? It is available immediately. Roku says you can find it under the "Lifestyle" section.