Apple agrees multi-year deal with Oprah Winfrey to produce content as battle between tech giants intensifies
The company hopes to compete in entertainment with the likes of Netflix and Amazon, which have been aggressively signing deals with prominent entertainment producers
Apple has struck a multi-year deal with Oprah Winfrey to produce original content, the technology giant announced on Friday as the battle for talent among tech titans and traditional studios keeps heating up.
Winfrey, one of the most influential voices in media for several decades running, is also expected to have an on-screen role in the new Apple programming.
The tech giant has been courting Hollywood to produce original programming for the company, which manufactures streaming devices called Apple TV.
The company has not said when it plans to launch the upcoming streaming service that will carry its shows, or what it will cost. People who are familiar with the plans but not authorised to comment said it probably will debut next year. The iPhone maker’s content ambitions are part of a push to diversify its revenue beyond the devices it makes and apps produced by other developers.
The company hopes to compete in entertainment with the likes of Netflix and Amazon, which have been aggressively signing deals with prominent entertainment producers to boost their original content offerings.
Netflix has signed lucrative producing agreements with the likes of Ryan Murphy and Shonda Rhimes, who are best known for making hit shows on more traditional networks such as Fox and ABC, respectively. The streaming giant recently signed a deal to have Barack and Michelle Obama make films and shows for it.
Apple knows it needs to spend the money to acquire the best talent and content. Going after Oprah and winning this deal is huge for Apple
This month, Amazon Studios announced a first-look pact with Get Out writer-director Jordan Peele, one of the biggest deals yet for Amazon’s streaming-video arm.