June 15 (Reuters) – Netflix is adding several new podcast shows to its content library, including ones by Hollywood star Kate Hudson and celebrity lifestyle guru Martha Stewart, deepening its video podcast partnership with iHeartMedia.
The move comes amid Netflix’s push to expand its entertainment offerings with formats such as podcasts and live sports events, as the streaming giant seeks to boost engagement and draw more subscribers in a mature streaming market.
Here are more details on the tie-up:
• The expanded deal builds on Netflix and iHeartMedia’s existing partnership, announced late last year, which gave Netflix its first daily live program through “The Breakfast Club” radio show.
• Netflix will add “Sibling Revelry” hosted by celebrity siblings Kate and Oliver Hudson, “Suite 305 with Lele Pons” hosted by social media star Lele Pons, along with “The Martha Stewart Podcast.”
• The deal includes all new episodes from the podcast lineup, as well as select library episodes from each show. The podcasts will begin rolling out on Netflix in the coming months.
• Netflix already has more than a dozen original iHeartMedia podcast shows including true crime podcast “My Favorite Murder,” comedy show “This Is Important” and mental health podcast “The Psychology of Your 20s”.
• iHeartMedia retains all audio-only rights and distribution for the shows, which will continue to be available on iHeartRadio and other platforms.
(Reporting by Deborah Sophia in Bengaluru; Editing by Shreya Biswas)
