Last month, we asked if Spotify could still be considered a music company, after it posted an ad for a New York-based News & Documentary Podcast Producer.
The streaming platform has been using its multi-million dollar podcast push to diversify its content offering by means of executive talent acquisition from other industries.
Further evidence: a few months before it was hiring for that news and documentary-focused role, Spotify was looking for a Sports Lead to help establish “Spotify’s presence and voice in the [sports] category”.
Across the likes of music, comedy, news, documentaries, sports and even true crime (via its Parcast acquisition), Spotify has been covering all bases to fulfil founder Daniel Ek‘s vision of becoming “the world’s number one audio platform”.
Even so, we bet you didn’t see this one coming. Yep: get ready for Spotify game shows.
MBW has spotted a job ad for a Los Angeles-based Reality Formats Lead at Spotify, who will oversee the company’s exclusive content strategy within the ‘Reality’ category.
This person will oversee Reality podcast development for Spotify Studios – including, but not limited to, content around game shows, dating/romance, self-improvement and competitions.
They will also be required to “prospect IP to adapt as Original Reality podcasts”.
One of the most interesting parts of the job description, however, is this: The Reality Formats Lead’s remit will include “shopping fully realized IP to television networks while leveraging existing and new relationships with talent and premium networks.”
This suggests that not only does Spotify want to create and publish original audio content in this category, it wants to create original entertainment content for television.
“You will source, develop and produce premium audio series that engage existing and growth audiences, with an eye toward establishing Spotify’s presence and voice in the category.”
Spotify
The position reports into the Head of Creative Development, Spotify Studios Liz Gateley, a Senior TV executive and reality TV expert.
Gateley spent over seven years at MTV between 2003 and 2011 overseeing shows like Jersey Shore, America’s Best Dance Crew and via her own company, DiGa (which she ran with Tony DiSanto) produced documentary series like Ke$ha: My Crazy Beautiful Life.
The person Spotify is looking to hire will have a minimum of 5-7 years’ experience in Reality format development working at a studio, network or production company.
They should also have experience working with writing and acting talent, managing budgets and production.
The ad states: “You will source, develop and produce premium audio series that engage existing and growth audiences, with an eye toward establishing Spotify’s presence and voice in the category.
“The right candidate has extensive experience across development, production and talent relations, and crucially will bring a clear point of view to translating that experience into impactful audio formats.”Music Business Worldwide
