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Spotify, Warner Bros., and DC to Produce Slate of Original Podcasts

Multi-year deal calls for scripted narrative podcasts drawing upon existing IP, including iconic DC characters and Warner franchises.

BURBANK & NEW YORK -- In a collaborative and innovative effort to further increase premium content offerings for consumers, Spotify, Warner Bros. and DC (home of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Harley Quinn, The Joker and many more iconic DC Super Heroes and Super-Villains) have announced a new multi-year deal to produce and distribute an original slate of narrative scripted podcasts.

Spotify, a leading audio streaming subscription service, is committed to an annual slate of new dramatic and comedic podcasts that Warner Bros. will develop and produce. Under terms of the deal, Spotify will have a first look at original scripted narrative DC podcasts, including new shows based on the vast universe of premier, iconic DC characters. The initial slate of projects under the partnership will also tap into Warner Bros.’ broader collection of titles for additional series. In addition to producing narratives based on existing characters and established franchises from across Warner Bros. and DC, the companies will also collaborate to create new programming from original intellectual property.

Warner Bros. side will be managed through a cross-divisional effort led by Peter Girardi and Robert Steele, who will co-develop and produce the programming in collaboration with Spotify, which will be responsible for the marketing, advertising, and distribution of the shows exclusively on its platform. Warner Bros. Animation, Blue Ribbon Content and Alternative Programming, executive VP, Girardi, will serve as the creative lead. Warner Bros. Digital Networks Business Strategy and Operations, senior VP, Steele, will spearhead strategic business aspects of the partnership for the studio.

“As we continue to see explosive growth in podcasting around the world, we are thrilled to partner with Warner Bros. to build this slate of programming drawn from the worlds of DC and WB,” commented Spotify chief content and advertising business officer, Dawn Ostroff. “We could not be more excited to be working with Robert, Peter and the entire Warner Bros. and DC teams to deliver new exclusive stories to the more than 286 million Spotify users.”

 “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. We’re excited to bring beloved characters and franchises from DC and Warner Bros. into this new world and to use our storytelling prowess to redefine what’s possible in the scripted audio space.”

The agreement with Spotify continues Warner Bros.’ commitment to storytelling across all platforms and builds upon a January 2020 first-look deal WBDN announced with Rainy Day Podcasts, a new company formed by Jagged Films partners, Mick Jagger & Victoria Pearman, producer Steve Bing and Oscar-nominated writer Josh Olson, to produce a slate of original narrative podcasts.

Source: Warner Bros.