Wednesday 22 June 2022 05:44 AM Barack and Michelle Obama sign deal with Amazon for Audible series after ... trends now
Barack and Michelle Obama have struck a multiyear deal with Amazon to create podcasts and shows for its storytelling platform, Audible.
The former first couple recently cut ties with Spotify after reportedly clashing with the streaming giant over exclusivity and how much they were expected to appear in episodes.
Audible will hold exclusive first-look rights to all podcasts created by the Obamas' production company, Higher Ground. But, unlike with Spotify, the content will be syndicated across multiple podcasting platforms.
The Obamas signed their Spotify deal in 2019 for an undisclosed sum but it is likely to be in the realm of $30million, the amount scored by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle that same year.
Audible has not disclosed how much their new partnership with the Obamas is going to cost. However, insiders revealed in April that Higher Ground had been fielding offers worth 'tens of millions of dollars'.
Barack and Michelle Obama have struck a multiyear deal with Amazon to create podcasts and shows for its storytelling platform, Audible. The couple is pictured together in January
Audible will hold exclusive first-look rights to all podcasts created by the Obamas' production company, Higher Ground
Higher Ground and Audible reached a multiyear and multi-project deal on Tuesday, the companies confirmed.
The companies did not provide any details on what projects would be forthcoming but said the shows Higher Ground creates for Audible 'will reflect the companies' shared mission to tell meaningful and entertaining stories that elevate diverse voices and experiences.'
Audible's original content is typically only made available to subscribers, however the Obamas' deal allows for their content to be distributed on a wide variety of platforms.
It is unclear if Spotify, which previously held exclusive rights to Higher Ground content, will syndicate the Obamas' Audible-owned content.
The Obamas recently cut ties with Spotify after reportedly clashing with the streaming giant over exclusivity and how much they were expected to appear in episodes
Both the Obamas and Audible have applauded the deal, saying they look forward to using the storytelling platform to inspire others.
'At Higher Ground, we have always sought to lift up voices that deserve to be heard — and Audible is invested in realizing that vision alongside us,' Barack said in a statement. 'I'm looking forward to partnering with them to tell stories that not only entertain but also inspire.'
Michelle echoed her husband's sentiment, stating: 'We are so proud of the stories we have been able to tell at Higher Ground, and there's no one we'd rather write our next chapter with than Audible.
'Together, we will keep striving to tell compelling, provocative, and soulful stories — while doing everything we can to make sure they reach the folks who need to hear them.'
Audible executives noted they are 'thrilled' to welcome the Obamas to the platform and look forward to helping the couple 'provide hope and uplifting guidance' to their audience.
'We have long recognized President and Mrs. Obama's historic capacity to captivate,' Audible Founder and Executive
