Meghan Markle's new podcasting partnership with entertainment network Lemonada Media leaves her "reputation at stake" if any p...
Meghan Markle's new podcasting partnership with entertainment network Lemonada Media leaves her "reputation at stake" if any projects fail or do not prove to be "value for money," an entertainment expert has told Newsweek.
The duchess's signing with the female-founded network was announced on February 13 through her new-look website, which was launched just one day earlier. It comes after a highly publicized split with her previous podcast partner, Spotify.
"I'm proud to now be able to share that I am joining the brilliant team at Lemonada to continue my love of podcasting," Meghan said in a statement. "Being able to support a female founded company with a roster of thought provoking and highly entertaining podcasts is a fantastic way to kick off 2024."
She added that her 12-episode podcast series Archetypes, which was produced exclusively with Spotify in 2022, will be re-released to be available on all platforms. She is also working on a "dynamic new podcast," which she is "eager to be able to share" soon.
Lemonada was co-founded in 2019 by Jessica Cordova Kramer and Stephanie Wittels Wachs and is best known for creating the hit Julia Louis-Dreyfus podcast, Wiser Than Me. Meghan will also join the company's roster of stars, including Sarah Silverman and Jennette McCurdy.
The development comes at an important time in Meghan's post-royal career as a philanthropist and content creator.
After signing a multi-million-dollar deal with Spotify in 2020, Harry and Meghan produced a one-off holiday podcast episode in addition to Meghan's Archetypes before announcing their split with the company.
Though stated by both parties to have been a mutual parting of ways, this was cast into doubt when, days later, a Spotify executive labeled Harry and Meghan "f****** grifters" on his podcast.
Though Archetypes won Meghan a People's Choice and Gracie Award, entertainment expert and founder of MarkMeets, Mark Boardman, told Newsweek this new signing leaves the duchess with a lot to prove to show she's a serious player in the podcasting industry.
"News that Meghan has confirmed work on a new podcast series is encouraging, suggesting that the behind-the-scenes work throughout 2023 is not being wasted, with continued collaboration and content development finally coming through," he said.
"Her success hinges on delivering engaging and meaningful content that resonates with audiences. Careful guest selection and thoughtful contributions would be a step forward for Meghan and could prove to be a much-needed true ratings winner. Media acclaim via award nominations only could lead to further projects, and so this new deal is more important than ever."
The key challenge for the duchess, Boardman continued, would be to "deliver value for money" and the delivery of content, "especially considering the ongoing public scrutiny surrounding the Sussex's ventures and delays with official announcements."
"Meghan's status as a former royal and still using the Sussex title alongside her public profile make the actress a valuable addition to Lemonada's roster, and so they have a vested interest in creating value for both parties and ensuring any output is of the highest quality," he said, though added that it would be Meghan's reputation ultimately on the line.
"The reputation of the Duchess of Sussex is at stake for any failed projects, and any signs of desperation following lower-than-expected reviews would see their star power dwindle further, with only reboots of Suits for Meghan and the Invictus Games for Harry to fall back on as fan favorites. Whilst the Lemonda platform is not as well-known as Spotify, it could be a better fit for Meghan."
So far, details about Meghan's future projects with Lemonada have not been announced. However, CEO and co-founder Cordova Kramer praised the duchess, saying in a statement that: "Meghan's talent as host, creator and conversationalist is unparalleled and we are thrilled to co-create a new series with her that fosters her approach to creating art that matters."
IN OTHER NEWS
Meghan Markle delighted fans as she announced her return to podcasting with the help of Lemonada.
The Duchess of Sussex said she is "proud" to share that she's joined Lemonada to continue her "love of podcasting". The new partnership will see podcast network Lemonada distribute the first season of Meghan's podcast Archetypes for all audio platforms.
Meghan will also produce a new series, which is currently untitled. Archetypes will join Lemonada's award-winning lineup of podcasts including Choice Words with Samantha Bee and Funny Cuz It's True with Elyse Myers. A statement was released on Meghan's brand new website to announce the news.
"I'm proud to now be able to share that I am joining the brilliant team at Lemonada to continue my love of podcasting. Being able to support a female founded company with a roster of thought provoking and highly entertaining podcasts is a fantastic way to kick off 2024.
Lemonada's CEO and co-founder Jessica Cordova Kramer added: "We are beyond honoured that Meghan has trusted us to help democratize access to 'Archetypes,' and that so many more people around the world will have access to the series soon. Meghan's talent as host, creator and conversationalist is unparalleled and we are thrilled to co-create a new series with her that fosters her approach to creating art that matters."
Lemonada’s Chief Creative Officer and co-founder Stephanie Wittels Wachs concluded: "As we've started development with The Duchess of Sussex, we are blown away by her collaborative spirit and clear vision, along with her deep desire to build compassion and community through this work. The Lemonada team felt immediate kinship with Meghan and the Archewell Productions team, and we are delighted to be working together."
Archetypes ran for 12 episodes back in 2022 and saw Meghan sit down for some very personal interviews with artists, athletes, and experts discussing the history of stereotypes against women. The Duchess of Sussex interviewed the likes of Paris Hilton, Serena Williams and Mariah Carey on the show.
However, it came to an end when the Sussexes ended their partnership with Spotify in June. "Spotify and Archewell Audio have mutually agreed to part ways and are proud of the series we made together," a statement read.
