Los Angeles – Jeff Gaspin, former chairman of NBC Universal Television, and Jon Klein, former president of CNN/U.S., are launching a new subscription-based online platform called TAPP, which will be home to scores of video networks built around personalities with super-fan followings. TAPP stands for “TV APP”.
TAPP channels will feature the nation’s top thought leaders in the fields of sports, politics, religion, relationships, entertainment, lifestyle, fashion, fitness and more, delivering daily content and up-close access to their most passionate followers. Subscribers will pay a monthly fee for individual channels which are delivered to their mobile devices, laptops and Internet-connected smart TVs. Subscribers simply “tap” their devices to stay in touch with those they are passionate about. TAPP orchestrates the entire process end-to-end, including programme strategy, production, user experience, marketing, distribution, app development, back-end technology and deep data analysis.
“In addition to great content, TAPP channels will offer a rich layer of consumer engagement for the super fan,” said Gaspin, TAPP’s co-founder and chairman. “We believe subscription services offer a superior business model while complementing current content offerings.”
“There will be long form content for those viewing TAPP on PCs and smart TVs, and easy to access sharable, snackable content for mobile video users on the go,” said Klein, TAPP’s co-founder and CEO. “And by building in big data capabilities from the ground up, we aim to eliminate much of the guesswork of traditional television programming.”
Co-founder Michael Greer, TAPP’s chief technology officer, headed technology and product development for The Onion during its successful transition from print to online and social media.
Gaspin and Klein have been rule-breakers throughout their television careers. As chairman of NBC Universal Television, Gaspin oversaw broadcast networks NBC and Telemundo as well as cable networks USA, Syfy, Bravo and Oxygen. He spearheaded the company’s aggressive move into online video, leading early deals with Netflix and playing a key role in the formation of Hulu. Throughout his career, Gaspin defined the art of niche programming on cable, launching breakout hits Behind the Music and Pop-Up Video on VH1 and transforming Bravo with cultural phenomena like Queer Eye for the Straight Guy and Project Runway. As head of alternative programming at NBC, Gaspin developed the hit shows Deal or No Deal, The Apprentice and Biggest Loser. In addition to being nominated for two Emmy Awards, Gaspin was honored with the industry’s Brandon Tartikoff Legacy Award and Anti-Defamation League’s Distinguished Entertainment Industry Award.
As president of CNN/U.S., Klein led the network to its highest ratings in history and doubled profits, while driving new technology innovations such as iReport user-generated coverage, the YouTube Presidential Debate, and the first integration of Facebook and Twitter into news programming. Previously, Klein had founded a pioneering video aggregation site, The FeedRoom, that developed the first pre-rolled video ads, auto-playlists, sharable video and online subscription programming. Klein’s career began at CBS News, where he won multiple Emmy and Peabody awards for hard news and longform coverage, directed an acclaimed series of unscripted CBS movies of the week, and became executive vice president, overseeing prime time programming including 60 Minutes.
Investors in TAPP include Discovery Communications and Demarest Films, as well as individuals including Eric Schmidt, Executive Chairman of Google, and investment bankers Ken Moelis, Peter Ezersky and Michael Huber. In addition to Gaspin and Klein, the TAPP board includes Sean Atkins, senior vice president and general manager, Digital, at Discovery Communications.
