In a significant shift in their media strategy, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly in discussions with Amazon-owned Audible, a rival to Spotify, following the termination of their podcast deal with the latter. This move comes after Spotify decided not to renew the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's podcast deal, which had been a significant part of their media outreach.
The couple's podcast, "Archetypes," had a brief run with just 12 episodes released weekly from August to November 2022. Despite its short lifespan, the podcast garnered significant attention, both positive and negative. Spotify's decision to part ways with the Sussexes was not without controversy. The streaming giant's CEO, Daniel Ek, recently shed light on the company's rationale behind the move. In a candid interview with the BBC, Ek stated that while some of their podcast ventures had been successful, others had not met expectations. He emphasized the company's commitment to innovation and providing a superior experience for consumers. However, he acknowledged that some partnerships, including that with the Sussexes, had not panned out as hoped.
This revelation was further compounded when Spotify executive Bill Simmons labeled Meghan and Harry as "grifters" in the wake of the announcement that "Archetypes" had been discontinued. Such public criticisms underscore the challenges the royal couple has faced in their media endeavors.
Yet, the Sussexes are not ones to be deterred. Insiders suggest that Harry and Meghan are gearing up to redefine their media strategy and are poised to make significant moves in 2024. A source close to the couple revealed, "Harry and Meghan are retooling, retrenching, and preparing to change course in their efforts to establish themselves and their production company Archewell as serious players across multi-media platforms. Expect them to come out swinging in the New Year."
The potential collaboration with Audible could be a part of this revamped strategy. While the specifics of the discussions remain under wraps, the move indicates the couple's determination to continue their media outreach and leverage platforms that align with their vision and values.
It's worth noting that the Sussexes' foray into the podcasting world was not without its challenges. Their deal with Spotify, reportedly worth up to £18 million based on performance-related conditions, came under scrutiny, especially given the limited output of episodes. In July, Spotify disclosed a £34 million loss attributed to "write-offs and contract termination" costs associated with streamlining their podcast content portfolio. Ek candidly admitted that the company had, in some instances, overpaid for content, leading to financial setbacks.
As the Duke and Duchess chart their next steps, the media landscape watches with bated breath. Their endeavors, whether successful or fraught with challenges, never fail to capture global attention. With the potential Audible deal on the horizon, one thing is clear: Harry and Meghan's media journey is far from over.
