Aug 10 (Reuters) – Disney+ and Hulu said on Monday they had struck a video podcasting deal with iHeartMedia for six podcast titles, starting with “Hey Jonas!,” as they expand their libraries to draw more users in a competitive market.
The agreement extends Disney+ and Hulu’s push into video podcasts, a format also being embraced by rivals including Netflix and HBO Max.
Here are some details:
• “Hey Jonas!,” hosted by the Jonas Brothers, will premiere on Disney+ and Hulu on August 14, the companies said.
• The deal will bring several celebrity-hosted rewatch and companion podcasts to the platforms, including “Pod Meets World” on Disney+ and “Desperately Devoted,” “Fake Doctors, Real Friends with Zach and Donald,” “StraightioLab” and “Thanks Dad with Ego Nwodim” on Hulu in the coming months.
• The podcasts will begin streaming on Disney+ and Hulu in phases over the coming months.
• Disney and iHeartMedia did not disclose the financial terms of the deal.
• Netflix and HBO Max have also moved into video podcasts, with Netflix striking deals with Spotify and iHeartMedia for shows including “The Bill Simmons Podcast.”
(Reporting by Prathik Jayaprakash in Bengaluru; Editing by Tasim Zahid)
