It seems Apple’s plans to produce original content aren’t exclusive to TV, with sources reporting the Cupertino company’s Eddy Cue recently discussed an exclusive podcast partnership with former ESPN star Bill Simmons.
“Apple media boss Eddy Cue discussed the idea a couple of times with Simmons this summer, say people familiar with the talks, who say that they were preliminary at best,” reports Recode.
Simmons went on to sign an exclusive, multi-platform agreement with HBO instead, which includes a podcast that will debut this October. It’s thought Yahoo and many others were also interested in signing up the man Recode calls “the most powerful individual voice in sports.”
While Apple didn’t get Simmons, this is more evidence to suggest the company is working hard to produce exclusive content that will attract new users to its products and services. However, it’s still unclear whether anything will come to fruition.
One Hollywood executive, who thinks nothing will come of Apple’s pursuits, said the company is simply “kicking tires.”
The closest Apple has gotten to exclusive content so far are its Apple Music deals with bands and artists, but many of these, like in the case of Dr. Dre’s new Compton album, are temporary. Original TV shows, movies, and podcasts could be available only through Apple services permanently.
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