London, UK: Spotify has decided to end its partnership with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, for the production of podcasts. The couple’s company, Archewell Audio, and the streaming giant issued a joint statement stating that they have “mutually agreed to part ways.” As a result, Spotify will not be renewing Meghan’s podcast, Archetypes, for a second season.
The deal between Spotify and the Sussexes, which was estimated to be worth $25 million when it was signed in late 2020, was one of the significant commercial agreements the couple secured after stepping down from their royal duties and moving to the United States. Prince Harry had expressed his hope that the podcasts would provide a platform for diverse perspectives and voices. Archetypes, the sole series produced under the agreement, featured Meghan engaging in conversations with prominent figures such as Serena Williams and Mariah Carey, discussing stereotypes faced by women.
Although Archetypes received the top podcast award at the People’s Choice Award in Los Angeles in December 2023, Spotify reportedly felt that the couple did not meet the productivity benchmark required by the contract. Consequently, they will not receive the full value of the deal. However, an Archewell spokeswoman stated that Meghan is working on developing more content for the Archetypes audience on another platform.
Since their departure from the royal family, Harry and Meghan have pursued various opportunities to achieve financial independence. They have secured a multi-million dollar content deal with Netflix and Harry has signed a significant contract with Penguin Books, resulting in the publication of his autobiography, Spare.
Spotify’s decision comes shortly after the company announced a strategic realignment, leading to the cutting of 200 jobs in its podcast division. The streaming giant had made substantial investments in the podcasting medium but is now seeking to refocus its efforts.
WORLD ROUNDUP: Wimbledon sets new record with $56.6mn prize money increase
