Disney's Marvel to create exclusive podcasts for SiriusXM

[October 23, 2019]  (Reuters) - Walt Disney Co's <DIS.N> Marvel Entertainment said on Tuesday it would create exclusive weekly podcasts for satellite radio company SiriusXM Holdings Inc <SIRI.O> and its online music service Pandora starting next year.

The slate of programs will include five new series on popular Marvel characters such as Wolverine, Hawkeye, Black Widow and Star-Lord.

"Audio is the next natural step to bring the Marvel Universe to fans around the world," said Dan Buckley, president of Marvel Entertainment.

SiriusXM bought Pandora Media Inc in a $3.5 billion deal last year amid growing competition from streaming rivals Spotify Technology SA <SPOT.N> and Apple Inc's <AAPL.O> Apple Music. (https://reut.rs/31yUFne)

Sirius XM, controlled by media mogul John Malone's Liberty Media Corp, has built a name by offering more than 175 channels to car drivers, but has largely trailed Spotify and Apple in mobile and streaming content.

(Reporting by Neha Malara in Bengaluru; Editing by Anil D'Silva)

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