Spotify Looking To Move Beyond Music Streaming

David Rhodes

Spotify's push into podcasting continues. Billboard is reporting that the streaming service has tapped former CBS News president David Rhodes as a consultant to assist with its broader push into news programming. The hire comes as part of Spotify's strategy to expand beyond music, which includes the company’s recent purchase of podcast networks Parcast and Gimlet, as well as the podcast creation app Anchor.

Sources have also confirmed the hire of Amy Hudson, who previously worked on sports partnerships at Facebook, to lead Spotify’s expansion into sports programming.

Rhodes served as president of CBS News from 2011 until January of this year, when he stepped down amid reports of sexual misconduct allegations against former CBS chairman and CEO Les Moonves and former CBS This Morning anchor Charlie Rose, as well as declining ratings for its news programs. Rhodes has also worked at Fox News and Bloomberg.

Rhodes is expected to secure more such partnerships as Spotify ramps up its efforts to become a dominant player in the podcasting space, as well as fend off rival streaming services like Apple Music and Google Play.