Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

On Taylor Swift’s 27th birthday, AT&T announces new media outlet: Taylor Swift NOW

AT&T on Tuesday announced a new media outlet, called Taylor Swift NOW, which will feature content curated by the pop star. (Charles Sykes / Invision/AP)
By Randall Roberts Los Angeles Times

Taylor Nation is about to get its own media outlet, courtesy of broadcasting conglomerate AT&T. And on Taylor Swift’s 27th birthday, no less.

In news announced Tuesday morning, the superstar singer and songwriter confirmed via a press release and promotional video that she has teamed with AT&T to launch Taylor Swift NOW, a so-called new video experience available on demand through the corporation’s many holdings, including DirectTV and U-Verse, as well as to eligible wireless customers.

What sort of Swiftian propaganda will be broadcast on her outlet? According to the AT&T announcement, programming will consist of entertainment “hand-curated” by the artist.

In a 30-second promotional video accompanying the announcement, Swift called it “kind of like a gift for the fans – thank you for being so amazing.”

The programming is divided into 13 “chapters” devoted to various aspects of Swift’s domain.

For example, notes the announcement, “In chapters like ‘That One Time … I Was Nostalgic’ fans will hear about the people that have been there from the start of her career. Surprising her fans is something Taylor loves to do – whether it’s sending them gifts or showing up when they aren’t expecting her. Watch all the fun in the chapter, ‘That One Time … I Surprised My Fans.’ ”

So as to better inform her followers of her many activities both in and behind the spotlight, Swift will offer audio commentary on past work, new original content and what AT&T described as “special chapters.”

For those wondering whether Swift’s media takeover has eclipsed work on her follow-up to 2014’s multiplatinum album “1989,” the company promises that Taylor Swift NOW will provide weekly updates on various aspects of her creative life.

Her deal with AT&T will also include an event in Houston on the eve of the Super Bowl called “DirectTV Super Saturday Night.”