One likely factor contributing to the podcast's downfall was its failure to resonate with consumers. Spotify CEO Daniel Ek, making a rare media appearance nearly four months after the announcement that the Archewell Audio podcast would not see a second season, acknowledged that some of Spotify's innovative ideas did not yield the desired outcomes.
Sources close to the multi-million-pound deal, signed by the couple in 2020, suggested that it was terminated because the Sussexes did not produce sufficient content to justify the substantial payout. Over the course of two and a half years, Harry and Meghan created only 12 podcasts. This lack of productivity likely played a significant role in the deal's ultimate demise.
Spotify's CEO, Daniel Ek, elaborated on the decision, stating, "We thought new innovation was needed to happen here. We thought that we could come in and offer a great experience that both makes consumers very happy and allows new creators new avenues." He candidly admitted that while some of their initiatives succeeded, others did not.
Ek's remarks came in response to a question by the BBC's Zoe Kleinman, who inquired whether 12 podcasts over two and a half years from the Sussexes justified the £18 million deal. Ek's response was diplomatic but hinted at the challenges they faced.
This development follows Spotify's acknowledgment of mistakes in its pursuit of becoming a top competitor in the industry. During a spree of investments exceeding a billion dollars, the company grappled with setbacks. The candid discussions about the Sussexes' podcast venture suggest Spotify's confidence that Harry and Meghan are unlikely to pursue legal action for potential brand damage stemming from these revelations.
Notably, Spotify negotiated these deals with the Sussexes while they were still members of the British royal family, and their reputations were significantly different at that time. Furthermore, the Oprah interview had not yet taken place, making Royal access an unprecedented opportunity for streaming platforms like Netflix, Spotify, and Penguin Random House.
While Spotify's dealings with the Sussexes may have been murky from the outset, the fallout from these revelations suggests a complex relationship with significant implications for both parties involved.
