Apple is reportedly funding podcasts it could turn into films or TV shows
Apple has supposedly signed a deal with podcast producer Futuro Studios to help fund future podcast development and productions. As part of the deal, Apple gets the first refusal on the rights to turn these podcasts into a film or TV show. The tech giant has already produced TV shows based on podcasts WeCrashed and The Shrink Next Door.
The company's TV division leads the podcasting deals it enters. Meanwhile, its actual podcasting unit has reportedly avoided investing in specific titles to appear as a "neutral platform." Apple and Futuro have declined to comment on Bloomberg's report. But it looks like Apple is using the technology to benefit its other businesses more than directly expanding or growing the shows. Aside from using it for adaptations, Apple has done companion podcasts for content like The Problem with Jon Stewart and For All Mankind as promotional tie-ins.