Wondery to partner with UMG for music in podcasts

Podcast group Wondery has entered a partnership with the Universal Music Group label. Under the terms of their agreement, Wondery will receive access to the major’s music catalog and will be able to use works from its artists and labels in new shows. Podcasts made through the deal will be distributed to the same channels as other Wondery shows, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify. The resulting podcasts could later be developed into film or television projects through UMG’s Polygram Entertainment production division.

“Working with Wondery’s network of storytellers, the podcasts will provide fans and new audiences alike with deeper perspectives on artists, music and events that influence and shape culture,” Universal Music Group said in a statement.

Wondery CEO Hernan Lopez spoke with the Los Angeles Times about the partnership and the interest in music for podcasts. “Music is universally loved,” Lopez said. “There are few kinds of content that can transcend cultures and times as well as music can.” He also noted that music is “one of the last and untapped big content genres in podcasting.”