It isn’t exactly a secret that Apple wants to become a content creator and provider, but thus far, how it plans to do that has been a bit nebulous. There’s been
It isn’t exactly a secret that Apple wants to become a content creator and provider, but thus far, how it plans to do that has been a bit nebulous. There’s been talk of upcoming original shows from Apple at plenty of points in the past, but little that’s actually concrete. Apple took a big step in that regard today, announcing a new partnership with Oprah Winfrey that will lead to the production of original content.
That’s a pretty big deal, given Oprah’s status as a media mogul. Apple kept today’s announcement short and sweet, really only saying that the pair will create original programming as the result of this partnership. “Together, Winfrey and Apple will create original programs that embrace her incomparable ability to connect with audiences around the world,” today’s statement reads. “Winfrey’s projects will be released as part of a lineup of original content from Apple.”
That’s all Apple had to say about the partnership. Today’s announcement tells us nothing more about the kinds of shows Oprah will create for Apple, nor when we can expect them to release. It’d be interesting to hear how much money is being earmarked to fund Oprah’s projects as well, but alas, we’re being left in the dark there too.
Apple needs to jump start its content offerings if it wants to compete with giants like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon, three companies that have been streaming content for years at this point. Recruiting Oprah is a great way to do that, as she’s one of the most recognizable faces in entertainment and has a massive following that spans the globe. Working with Oprah directly means that Apple can bypass cable companies too, who seem to be apprehensive about working with Apple as it plots its foray into the content space.
Hopefully we’ll hear more about what these projects will be soon. Apple’s plans for original content are still largely secret, but now that this announcement is out in the open, it might not be much longer before Apple pulls back the veil entirely. Stay tuned.
