The Walt Disney Co. is doubling down on streaming video podcasts, inking a deal with iHeartMedia to bring a number of its shows to Disney+ and Hulu.
Disney has already launched companion podcasts around shows like American Idol and The Shards, as well as rewatch podcasts like That Was Us as well as a handful of licensed titles. The deal with iHeartMedia will add six titles to that library, starting with Hey Jonas! on Aug. 14. Other titles include Pod Meets World to Disney+ as well as Desperately Devoted, Fake Doctors, Real Friends with Zach and Donald, StraightioLab, and Thanks Dad with Ego Nwodim.
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Hey Jonas!, which is hosted by The Jonas Brothers, will debut ahead of the debut of Camp Rock 3 on Disney+. Others, like Desperately Devoted (Desperate Housewives) and Pod Meets World (Boy Meets World) give a look back on classic shows.
“Fans can’t get enough of the stories and talent they love, and podcasts have become one of the fastest growing ways for audiences to connect with them,” said Lauren Tempest, head of content planning & partnerships, DTC at The Walt Disney Company. “These new video podcasts from iHeartMedia bring fans closer to their favorite worlds and the creators behind them, and we’re thrilled to make them available on Disney+ and Hulu as part of an even richer streaming experience.”
“Podcasting continues to evolve as audiences increasingly want to engage with the shows and personalities they love in more ways and across more platforms,” added Bob Pittman, chairman and CEO for iHeartMedia. “Disney+ and Hulu have built powerful streaming destinations with incredibly passionate fan communities, making them ideal partners to expand the reach of these beloved iHeartPodcasts. From iconic rewatch series and fan-favorite conversations to original storytelling, this deal gives both existing listeners and new viewers an easy way to discover and connect with some of podcasting’s most engaging voices through video.”
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