The Obama couple are rumored to be looking for another podcast partner, as they are frustrated by the slow growth of Spotify, which is more interested in presenting new voices than hosting shows.
Barack and Michelle Obama are discussing new deals with other companies, three podcast sources told Insider.
The Obama company “Higher Ground Audio” has a three-year contract with Spotify, from June 2019, but sources say that the cooperation will be difficult to renew.
Vanity Fair reports that the Obamas are more interested in launching new voices than continuing their own shows.
The news comes as Spotify is on faced with reactions for what the platform’s most popular podcaster, Joe Rogan, said with heavy accusations about misinformation in relation to COVID-19.
The Obamas have signed an agreement to “develop, produce and lend their voice” to selected podcasts that will be shown on the platform.
Under the deal, Barack Obama hosted Bruce Springsteen’s eight-episode podcast “Renegades: Born in the US” which premiered on April 5, 2021.
In July 2020, Michelle Obama’s podcast premiered with the former president as the first guest.
The last episode was released on September 16 of the same year.
According to Insider, it is possible that the Obamas will renew their agreement with Spotify, although they now face tougher competition, as streaming services from Amazon and Apple have increased investment in podcasts.
In late January, Neil Young asked to have his music downloaded from Spotify over fake news about vaccines heard by podcaster Joe Rogan.
Spotify complied and started withdraws Neil Young songs. A few days later followed Johnny Mitchell who also asked for the withdrawal of her songs.
However, Joe Rogan’s podcast has the highest audience with 10 million listeners per episode.
At the same time, Taylor Swift fans are urging her to leave Spotify as well, supporting Young and Mitchell.
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