Prince Harry and Meghan Markle End Exclusive Podcast Deal with Spotify
Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, have decided to end their exclusive podcast distribution deal with Spotify, AsumeTech has confirmed.
No Comment from Spotify and Archewell Audio
Reps for Spotify and Archewell Audio, the couple’s podcast production shingle, declined to comment.
“Creative Differences” Lead to Change
According to a source familiar with the situation, there have been “creative differences” between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle that have prompted the couple to want to move away from exclusive Spotify distribution and find a new home for their audio originals.
Expectations vs. Reality
Another source said that Spotify had expected more content from Archewell Audio — and more than two and half years after inking the pact, they have delivered only one series. The show that Archewell has produced for Spotify is Markle’s “Archetypes,” in which she deconstructs the history of societal stereotypes about women.
“Archetypes” Climbs the Charts
“Archetypes,” released Tuesday exclusively on Spotify, is No. 1 on the streamer’s podcast charts for the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. Next week’s episode will feature a conversation between Markle and Mariah Carey.
Exclusive Podcast Deal Worth $20 Million
Archewell Audio first inked the exclusive podcast pact with Spotify in late 2020 in a deal worth about $20 million, the Wall Street Journal reported. The company’s mission is “producing programming that uplifts and entertains audiences around the world,” as well as “spotlights diverse perspectives and voices” and “builds community through shared experience, narratives, and values.”