persistent error messages when creating Apple Podcasts Connect account

i have been trying to open an Apple Podcasts Connect account. I have my apple ID, it has been verified, and every time I try to set up the Podcasts account it takes me thorough the sign in process. Sometimes it shows unable to issue a 6-digit code, sometimes it can do it but it stops me on the following step saying there is an error and try again later. I have tried numerous times over different days. is there anything I should be doing differently? As far as I know all the information provided is correct