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Barack and Michelle Obamas’ media firm struck an exclusive podcasting deal with Amazon.com Inc.’s Audible, a move that comes shortly after a similar  agreement  with Spotify wasn’t extended. As a result of the deal, Audible will have exclusive first-look rights to all podcasts created by Higher Ground, the production firm that the Obamas created in 2018. Financial terms of the multilayer agreement weren’t disclosed, nor were details about programming or how many podcasts the deal might include. The deal is significant for Audible, which began as an audiobook firm but has expanded into podcasts and other areas of audio entertainment. Its celebrity podcasts include “Climate of Change,” which examines the changing environment and is hosted by Cate Blanchett and entrepreneur Danny Kennedy; and “My Body, My Podcast,” which focuses on sex education and was created by actress Elizabeth Banks. Barack Obama said that at Higher Ground, they always have sought to lift voices that deserve...

  Canadian parliaments lower house passed legislation that would bring  online streaming  platforms under the stewardship of the country’s broadcast regulator and compel firms like YouTube, Netflix, and Spotify to offer more local content. The bill, brought by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government, cleared the House of Commons by 208 votes to 117, with support from the opposition New Democrats and Bloc Quebecois. The government says the legislation would ensure that online streaming services promote Canadian music and stories and support local jobs. Critics say it was rushed to a vote, and concerns raised about the bill, such as the potential impact on independent content creators, were not addressed. Heritage Minister of Canada Pablo Rodriguez, who introduced the bill in February, says the changes are meant for online commercial programs and would not apply to individual Canadians. Bill C-11 passed the third reading in the House of Commons of the Ca...