Keith J. Kelly

Keith J. Kelly

Media

People magazine to venture into TV

Time Inc. CEO Joe Ripp, speaking at the recent American Magazine Conference, opined that synergy at Time Warner was “elusive” and that sometimes it was easier to work with an outside firm than a sister publication.

One of the first manifestations is apparently a new deal that People magazine will unveil Wednesday to produce a two-hour TV special in a joint venture with Dick Clark Productions, to air on NBC in late 2014.

“It’s been in the works for close to a year,” said Dick Clark CEO Allen Shapiro, who approached People with the idea.

Shapiro declined to disclose details, but NBC is believed to be paying several million for rights to the show that will highlight the Biggest Phenomenon of 2014, the Most Stylish Person, the Funniest Person and the Sexiest Woman of 2014.

“It will underscore People’s role in the pop-culture firmament,” said People Managing Editor Larry Hackett. He said since it is not tied to one genre, it should pave the way for the Golden Globes, Oscar and Emmy awards that happen early in the new year.

It’s not the first time a popular magazine has tried to make the leap into TV, and over the years most of the shows, including some early tries by People, have foundered.

This one is being run entirely by TV people, with People’s editors expected to play only behind the scenes roles for the most part.

One big question will be how many of the A-listers make the red carpet scene on the night of the show.