Warner Bros. has entered into a multi-year deal with streaming audio service Spotify to produce and distribute an original slate of narrative scripted podcasts centered around its DC brand of comic-book characters, including Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Harley Quinn, The Joke and many more.

Under terms of the deal, Spotify will have first look at original DC podcasts that will include original stories based on existing characters as well as entirely new programming.

On the Warner Bros. side, the partnership will be managed through a cross-divisional effort led by Peter Girardi, executive vice president of Blue Ribbon Content and alternative programming at Warner Bros. Animation, and Robert Steele, senior vice president, business strategy and operations, Warner Bros. Digital Networks. Together, the two will oversee co-development and production of programming in collaboration with Spotify.

“Warner Bros. has been synonymous with compelling and unforgettable storytelling for nearly a century, and we’re continuing to expand that legacy across all types of media platforms for our fans,” said Steele and Girardi in a joint statement. “Spotify’s deep engagement with its consumers and commitment to prioritizing their podcast vertical makes them an ideal partner in this endeavor.”

For its part, Spotify will be responsible for the marketing, advertising, and distribution of the shows exclusively on its platform. On Wednesday, the audio platform also said it has entered a podcast production deal with Kim Kardashian West.

The agreement with Spotify continues Warner Bros.’ commitment to storytelling across all platforms and builds upon first-look deal Warner Bros. Digital Networks announced in January 2020 with Rainy Day Podcasts — a new company formed by Jagged Films partners Mick Jagger and Victoria Pearman (Shine a Light, Get On Up, Vinyl, Enigma), producer Steve Bing (The Polar Express, Marley, Neil Young: Heart of Gold, Shine a Light), and writer Josh Olson (A History of Violence) — to produce a slate of original narrative podcasts.

Spotify launched in 2008 and entered the podcasting business in 2015. Earlier this year, it bought Bill Simmons’ The Ringer podcast network and website for nearly $200 million.

Tags: dc entertainment podcasts spotify warner bros.


  Save as PDF