Real Simple and TLC Announce Multi-Tier Partnership

Real Simple and TLC have formed an innovative partnership to develop multi-media content, it was announced today by Steve Sachs, President, Real Simple, and Angela Shapiro-Mathes, President, TLC. Together, the companies will create new lifestyle content that will premiere across multiple platforms – television, print, radio, internet, and in store events – creating an engaging, unmatched experience for consumers.

The target audience is women who are happy with their careers and personal lives – but are trying to make their lives easier. All platforms will offer an entertaining approach to a lifestyle makeover that will leverage Real Simple’s core brand promise and TLC’s success in the genre, with the popular WHAT NOT TO WEAR and 10 YEARS YOUNGER. Scheduled to launch in August 2008, TLC has ordered 15 episodes of a prime-time television series and Real Simple will simultaneously launch interactive digital content personalized for the consumer along with content in the magazine itself.

“This collaboration is a wonderful fit that speaks directly to our viewers,” said Angela Shapiro-Mathes, President, TLC. “Our brands are a perfect psychographic match and, together, TLC and Real Simple will also bring our advertising partners an unmatched opportunity to connect with our shared audience.”

“Over the past few years, Real Simple has transformed from a magazine property into a multimedia power brand, and we’re looking forward to working together with TLC on this exciting partnership,” said Steve Sachs, President, Real Simple. The strong brand match between Real Simple and TLC ensures that original content can be linked across multiple platforms with ease. “It’s an ideal partnership,” said Kristin van Ogtrop, Managing Editor, Real Simple, who oversees content creation for the brand across all media. “We are thrilled to bring entertaining and informative Real Simple content to TLC viewers.”

This partnership is in direct response to the evolving media landscape, uniting two pioneer media companies and offering a solution to advertisers who demand a unique and organic way to connect directly with these brands and their audiences. All advertising sales will be a joint effort by Real Simple and TLC, and will consist of integrated multimedia packages that include TV, print and online, including a presence across Time Inc. publications. (Real Simple is a division of Time Inc., a Time Warner company.)

The companies, who share a similar key target audience and are well-known for offering a trusted and friendly experience, also gain the opportunity to draw new audiences into their respective brands, while providing current consumers with new access points to high-quality content.

Real Simplebrought on veteran producer/executive, Andy Friendly (founding producer, Entertainment Tonight and President of Programming and Production, King World) and Greenberg Glusker Entertainment Department Chair, David Stanley, to help shepherd the deal with TLC. Friendly and Stanley will continue to work as consultants on the show.

An executive producer and host have not yet been named, but Real Simple and TLC expect to announce these roles in the coming months.