Trump Administration

Spotify Lands Exclusive Podcast Deal With Barack, Michelle Obama

Landing the former first couple is a major win as the podcast industry grows and the fight for rights to premium shows and creators becomes more contentious

The Obamas are getting into the podcasting business, and Spotify has the exclusive rights.

Spotify announced Thursday that it has signed a partnership deal with Barack and Michelle Obama’s production company, Higher Ground, to produce podcasts that will be available only on its streaming platform.

The deal comes on the heels of a similar agreement between Higher Ground and Netflix that will see the former first couple producing movies and television shows for the Hollywood streamer.

As with the Netflix deal, the Obamas will produce and develop storytelling ideas that aim to inspire people and give voice to underrepresented people, rather than shows that engage directly with politics or the Trump administration.

“We’ve always believed in the value of entertaining, thought-provoking conversation,” Barack Obama said in a press release. “It helps us build connections with each other and open ourselves up to new ideas. We’re excited about Higher Ground Audio because podcasts offer an extraordinary opportunity to foster productive dialogue, make people smile and make people think, and, hopefully, bring us all a little closer together.”

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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