DC is getting into the podcasting business. The company has announced a new multi-year deal between Spotify, Warner Bros. and DC to produce and distribute an original slate of narrative scripted podcasts. No specific projects have been revealed at this time, but Warner Bros. and Spotify will be tapping into the publisher’s rich library of characters for the venture.
Under terms of the deal, Spotify will have a first look at original scripted narrative DC podcasts. This includes new shows based on 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, the companies will also collaborate to create new programming from original intellectual property.
Peter Girardi and Robert Steele are heading up the partnership for Warner Bros. They will co-develop and produce the programming in collaboration with Spotify. Girardi, Executive Vice President of Blue Ribbon Content and of Alternative Programming at Warner Bros. Animation, will serve as the creative lead. Steele, Senior Vice President of Business Strategy and Operations, Warner Bros. Digital Networks, meanwhile, will spearhead the strategic business aspects of the partnership.
“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,” Dawn Ostroff, Chief Content and Advertising Business Officer, Spotify, said. “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,” Robert Steele and Peter Girardi said. “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.”
Marvel made a similar move last year when they partnered with Sirius XM for a series of podcasts centered on characters like Wolverine and Black widow.
This marks a new way for DC to explore stories with characters such as Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman. Beyond that, it could provide an opportunity to explore lesser-known characters in a new way.
There is no word yet on when the first of these new scripted podcasts will debut.
So what do you think? Are you excited for these new DC podcasts? What characters would you like to be the subject of a new podcast? Join in on the conversation over on Facebook or Twitter!
