Peter Kafka:
Spotify, which has been trying to branch out of the streaming music business, is getting ready to make its first big move into podcasting: It plans to pay more than $200 million to buy Gimlet Media, the startup behind popular shows like Reply All.
If I have to listen to Reply All or other shows in the Spotify app, losing the ability to listen in Overcast, I’m going to be really frustrated. Gimlet already has an exclusive deal with Spotify where season two of their podcast Crimetown is only accessible through Spotify. This means I haven’t listened to season two. It also means bad news for the open web and openness of podcasting.
I’m even a paying member of Spotify, using the app everyday for music, but I want to listen to my podcasts in Overcast.
If it becomes the case, I’ll probably give in and listen to Reply All, and Heavyweight in the Spotify app, but shows like Every Little Thing, Science Vs., and others will probably fall out of my rotation. I’ll also be much more reluctant to check out new shows from Gimlet.