Paula Deen, the celebrity cook who is getting back on her feet after racial slurs nearly ended her career, is set to launch a digital network.
Paula Deen Ventures announced Wednesday its plans to launch the Paula Deen Network— which will feature daily programming with recipes, episodes, guest appearances and cooking tools — in September. The paid subscription-based network will be available on computers, smartphones and tablets.
“We’re going to have so much fun being together and cooking up some wonderful new and classic dishes,” Deen said in a press release. “Y’all can get my recipes, tips and cooking anytime you want — this is for you. I can’t wait to crank up the oven and get cooking for the people I love: my family, my friends and my fans!”
Production is already underway in Savannah and the set — built to accommodate a live audience — is recreated from her first television show, Paula’s Home Cooking.
Deen is struggling to get her career back on track which began with the announcement in February of a deal with the Najafi Companies, an Arizona-based private investment firm that’s investing millions to revamp her public image.
“The Paula Deen Network is one more example of Paula doing things her own way and taking control of her brand to connect directly with her ardent fans,” said Jahm Najafi in a statement.
“You can throw out your TV now, because this is where you can find me,” Deen says, holding up an iPad in a promo for the site.
Paula Deen launching digital network: ‘Y’all can get my recipes, tips and cooking’ at any time http://t.co/36vJ9SH1im pic.twitter.com/EW7r7IPxcj
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) June 11, 2014
It was a nearly a year ago that Deen’s sworn statement admitting she had used racial slurs in the past became public. The Food Network and other corporate sponsors immediately distanced themselves from the southern cook.
Check out what @leehawkins w/ the @WSJ has to say about the Paula Deen Network! http://t.co/GwjhhkAkKG
— Paula Deen (@Paula_Deen) June 11, 2014
Deen is currently on a nationwide tour with a 90-minute Paula Deen Live! show featuring cooking demonstrations, games with audience members and personal stories.
I’m so tickled by what we’ve cooked up for y’all! Come see what the Paula Deen Network is all about! http://t.co/hWPS4gKG5o
— Paula Deen (@Paula_Deen) June 11, 2014
Some of the programs slated for the digital network include shows entitled 20-Minute Meals, Paula Cooking Light and One Dish, Three Ways.
Image via YouTube