Apple signs multi-year content partnership with Oprah Winfrey

[Shawn Knight]

The big picture: Apple has reportedly landed a dozen TV projects since last October but none approach the magnitude of its latest signing.

On Friday, the Cupertino-based company announced it has inked a multi-year content partnership with media mogul Oprah Winfrey. Financial terms and other specifics of the deal were not published although according to sources speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, the deal includes everything from TV and movies to books and apps which could be distributed via Apple’s many platforms.

Together, Apple and Winfrey will create “programs that embrace her incomparable ability to connect with audiences around the world.” The projects will be released as part of a line-up of original content from Apple, we’re told.

The deal no doubt bolsters Apple’s position as it looks to go toe-to-toe with competitors like Netflix, Amazon and Hulu in the next era of entertainment.

Just last month, Netflix signed a multi-year production deal with Barack and Michelle Obama. Apple is said to be working on various projects alongside notable names like Stephen Spielberg, M. Night Shyamalan, Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon, among others.

THR said Winfrey signed with Apple following a competitive situation with other tech giants that likely included both Amazon and Netflix who were pursing similar deals.

Winfrey, considered by some to be the most influential woman in the world, is perhaps best known for hosting The Oprah Winfrey Show which aired nationally from 1986 through 2011.

Lead image courtesy Michael Tran, FilmMagic

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https://www.techspot.com/news/75117-apple-signs-multi-year-content-partnership-oprah-winfrey.html

 

[Brock Kane]

One more reason I buy NOTHING from Apple!

 

[Evernessince]

I wonder what format Apple will use to get users on it's video service. Assuming they use an App like Netflix does, that would mean they would need to get approved on the android store. If they don't they essentially forfeit all the existing streaming devices and limit themselves to iOS devices only. Apple has nowhere near the streaming video marketshare android does and their Apple TV streaming devices are expensive and don't come in many formats.

IMO Apple's streaming service is doomed to fail unless they make major changes that go against Apple philosophy.

 

[Uncle Al]

Apple certainly needs SOMETHING to boost it's image, although I'm not sure Oprah is the best one, still she is a remarkable force for young women so it might be a very shrewd tactical move for Apple .....

 

[Fulltone]

Apple is going to make ice cream