Obamas Sign Exclusive Podcast Deal With Spotify
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama have struck a deal with audio streaming giant Spotify to produce exclusive podcasts covering a wide range of topics.
The Obamas' company, Higher Ground Productions, was formed last year with the goal of fostering new diverse voices in the entertainment field.
Their first podcasts could debut on Spotify as soon as next year.
"We've always believed in the value of entertaining, thought-provoking conversation," President Obama said. "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."
"We're thrilled to have the opportunity to amplify voices that are too often ignored or silenced altogether, and through Spotify, we can share those stories with the world," Michelle Obama said. "Our hope is that through compelling, inspirational storytelling, Higher Ground Audio will not only produce engaging podcasts, but help people connect emotionally and open up their minds—and their hearts."
"President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama are two of the world's most important voices and it is a privilege to be working with them to identify and share stories that will inspire our global audience, which looks to Spotify for unique, breakthrough content," said Spotify Chief Content Officer, Dawn Ostroff. "Connecting people with original and thoughtful creators — especially those with the ability to highlight underrepresented and indispensable narratives — is at the core of our mission and we are thrilled that not only will the Obamas be producing content, but that they will be lending their voices to this effort."
The Obamas' production company already has a deal with Netflix to produce documentary series and films.