American Media, Inc. & Us Weekly Join Facebook's New Video Platform, Watch

NEW YORK, Aug. 11, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- American Media, Inc. (AMI), the leading publisher of celebrity journalism and health and fitness content in the United States, today announced that it has joined Facebook Watch, the social network's new video site. Watch is the social network's first attempt to showcase videos made specifically for Facebook — and change the way consumers watch video in the process.

As part of Watch, AMI premiered the Us Weekly and usmagazine.com video series, Inside My Kitchen, starring singer-songwriter and actress Sheryl Crow.

Us' Inside My Kitchen is a 5-to-10-minute episodic spin-off of the magazine franchise and shows viewers what it is really like inside a celebrity kitchen. Among the other celebrities to be featured in the series are Ali Larter, Christie Brinkley and Maria Menounos.

"American Media, Inc. is proud to be a part of a revolutionary program with the largest social community in the world that will bring hours of original video content directly to a new Facebook tab on all platforms, including mobile, desktop and TV apps," said Dylan Howard, Chief Content Officer of AMI.

"To be one of Facebook's launch partners underscores our commitment to video and original programming, a strategic undertaking for our organization that is delivering more than 2,500 unique videos across our diverse and renowned portfolio of brands each month."

AMI has also developed, created, produced and distributed 27 hours of original broadcast television for various networks in the last 12 months, as it solidifies its position as a multi-media next generation company.

"Us is one of the most recognizable brands in the entertainment and celebrity-infused lifestyle space," added Vicci Rose, Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer.

"We're delighted Facebook continues to recognize the brand's loyal community and is working with us to bring our distinctive content direct to their users on a weekly basis."

The new video content on Facebook has the incredible power to bring viewers a personalized world of original programming that will include episodic content as well as live feeds and the breaking celebrity news content that really connects with Us readers.

What's more, Watch will connect people, spark conversation and bring more fans into the Us community. Users will be able to connect directly with other viewers — and the show creators — expanding the social interaction and building community engagement with the iconic Us brand.

"We're excited to partner with Facebook on this new initiative to grow our overall digital reach," added Eli Lippman, AMI's Director of Audience Development. "We will continue to bring highly engaging and enjoyable content to all entertainment enthusiasts across the web."

Facebook Watch saw limited rollout on August 10, 2017, with quick expansion planned in the near future.

Said Howard: "We are excited to bring AMI's unique brand of storytelling to life with innovative, and fresh new programming."

"The chance to create new consumer experiences together with one of the world's foremost brands is a tremendous opportunity. We're very proud to embark on this exciting venture with our new partner Facebook."

About American Media, Inc.
American Media, Inc. (AMI) owns and operates the leading print and digital celebrity and active lifestyle media brands in the United States.  AMI's titles include Us Weekly, OK!, Star, Men's Journal, Men's Fitness, Muscle & Fitness, Flex, Mr. Olympia Contest, National Enquirer and other celebrity titles.  AMI also manages 12 different digital sites including Usmagazine.com, OKmagazine.com, RadarOnline.com, MensJournal.com, MensFitness.com, MuscleandFitness.com and other digital and social properties.  AMI's magazines have a combined total circulation of 5.6+ million and reach more than 51 million men and women each month.  AMI's digital properties reach approximately 65 million unique visitors monthly.

SOURCE American Media, Inc.