Netflix appoints former Apple Podcasts executive to lead acquisitions
Developing story first seen 1 hour ago
Netflix has confirmed that former Apple Podcasts executive Steve Wilson is joining the company to lead podcast content acquisitions, initially as a consultant. His appointment signals a deeper push into podcasts, although Netflix has not made clear how far it plans to expand the medium.
Wilson spent 15 years at Apple in editorial, partner relations and marketing, and later worked at QCODE and Daylight Media. Netflix has licensed video podcasts from Spotify, iHeartMedia and Barstool, and launched its own shows, partly to attract daytime viewers and compete with YouTube. It has not published podcast viewing figures, while also planning to cut about 1,000 jobs, or 6 per cent of its workforce, as it reviews its content strategy.
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In short
- Steve Wilson will lead Netflix’s podcast acquisitions as a consultant.
- Netflix’s podcast strategy is expanding, but its viewing figures remain undisclosed.
- The appointment comes as Netflix plans to cut about 1,000 jobs.
How this story developed
- 8 minutes ago Netflix hired Wilson to lead podcast acquisitions, while his later strategy role at QCODE and the company’s continued lack of viewing figures left the scale of its podcast ambitions unclear.
- 13 minutes ago Netflix confirmed that former Apple Podcasts executive Steve Wilson would join as a consultant to lead podcast acquisitions, as the company explored a broader push into the medium.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Hiring an experienced podcast executive could help Netflix build a stronger slate and make better use of video podcasts as it competes for daytime viewers and audiences who already watch YouTube. A focused investment may also broaden Netflix’s appeal and create new opportunities for creators and partners.
The case against
Netflix’s ambitions remain unclear, and without viewing figures it is difficult to judge whether podcast spending is drawing audiences or warranting further investment. With the company cutting about 1,000 jobs while revising its content strategy, a cautious approach could prioritise proven programming and avoid committing resources to a format whose returns are uncertain.
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Originally published by The Hollywood Reporter as “Netflix Hires Former Apple Exec Steve Wilson to Lead Podcast Acquisitions”.