EXCLUSIVE: Former President Obama is in talks with Netflix to produce shows for the streaming servic

[MelissaB]

EXCLUSIVE: Former President Obama is in talks with Netflix to produce shows for the streaming service that would give him a massive, post-presidential platform.

Link to tweet

Obama in Talks to Provide Shows for Netflix

WASHINGTON — Former President Barack Obama is in advanced negotiations with Netflix to produce a series of high-profile shows that will provide him a global platform after his departure from the White House, according to people familiar with the discussions.

Under terms of a proposed deal, which is not yet final, Netflix would pay Mr. Obama and his wife, Michelle, for exclusive content that would be available only on the streaming service, which has nearly 118 million subscribers around the world. The number of episodes and the formats for the shows have not been decided.

Mr. Obama does not intend to use his Netflix shows to directly respond to President Trump or conservative critics, according to people familiar with discussions about the programming. They said the Obamas had talked about producing shows that highlight inspirational stories.

But the Netflix deal, while not a direct answer to Fox News or Breitbart.com, would give Mr. Obama an unfiltered method of communication with the public similar to the audiences he already reaches through social media, with 101 million Twitter followers and 55 million people who have liked his Facebook page.

More: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/08/us/politics/obama-netflix-shows.html

[MelissaB]

1. VIP snip

Mr. Obama has long expressed concerns about how the flow of information — and misinformation — has the power to shape public opinion. In the last several months, Mr. Obama has discussed with technology executives and wealthy investors the threats to American democracy from the manipulation of news.

He has seethed privately and publicly, about what he says is the manipulation of news by conservative outlets and the fractured delivery of information in the internet age. In several recent public appearances during the last several months, the former president hinted at his frustration with the way conservative news outlets have shaped people’s perceptions about the divisive 2016 campaign and the issues he cares about.

[Tatiana]

3. I like where he is going with this.

We need a platform that reaches people worldwide. Netflix might be a good partnership until we can build our own infrastructure.

[MelissaB]

4. I agree!

This had BIG potential.

[MelissaB]

2. Alternative title: Obama pissed and is fighting back for democracy.

[mopinko]

5. this is my dream come true.

this was my #1 wish for his post presidency.
over the moon i am.

[mcar]

6. Happy to watch this!

Great news!

[C_U_L8R]

7. I want my Obama TV !!