WHAT: At TheGrill conference, hosted by the Wrap News, Inc, in Santa Monica, Calif., Howard Schultz talked with The Wrap founder Sharon Waxman about the role social media played in the company’s transformation after he returned to Starbucks as CEO in 2008. As part of the Q&A format, Schultz broke news related to the still-under-development Starbucks Digital Network, in partnership with Yahoo!, which will offer customers free access to a collection of premium content in stores.
As Starbucks Digital Ventures group continues to build the content collection for the upcoming Starbucks Digital Network, Schultz announced that SnagFilms is the latest new content contributor to join the network’s entertainment channel. Providing free non-fiction movies, SnagFilms offers viewers access to more than 1600 award-winning titles from some of the greatest names in documentary films. Starbucks and SnagFilms will co-curate themed film festivals created specifically for the Starbucks Digital Network. A MusicFest kicks off the series for launch, with award-winning films for every musical taste.
Schultz also announced that Starbucks will take its successful Starbucks Pick of the Week card program, which fosters the discovery of great new music each week, onto the digital platform in its U.S. company-operated stores. Every week the Starbucks Digital Network will offer a free song download featuring the best in new artists available on iTunes.
Scheduled to launch later this fall, the network’s other content providers signed to date in their respective channels include: News with the New York Times, USA TODAY, The Wall Street Journal; Entertainment with iTunes, Nick Jr. Boost and now Snag Films; Wellness with Rodale; and My Neighborhood with Donorschoose.org, Patch and Zagat.
KEY DATES:
- Howard Schultz speaks at TheGrill conference sponsored by The Wrap News, Inc.: Sept. 21, 2010
- Starbucks Digital Network launch: later this fall
About Starbucks Coffee Company
Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting the highest quality arabica coffee in the world. Today, with stores around the globe, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at starbucks.com.
_1569_2432_1570_2432.jpg)
