Amazon shuts down Wondery podcast studio, cuts 110 jobs

In a significant shift within its audio division, Amazon has announced the closure of its Wondery podcast studio, which it acquired in late 2020. This decision is accompanied by a reduction of 110 jobs as part of a wider reorganization effort. According to a report from Bloomberg, the company intends to transition existing Wondery series either under the Audible brand or into a new 'creator services' team. This new team will focus on personality-driven content, including popular shows such as the podcast featuring NFL stars Jason and Travis Kelce. Steve Boom, Amazon's vice president overseeing audio, Twitch, and gaming, addressed the changes in a memo to staff that was obtained by Bloomberg. He highlighted the significant evolution of the podcast landscape in recent years, noting that the increasing prevalence of video content has blurred the lines defining podcast creators. The report suggests that Amazon's ambitious foray into podcasting has not yielded the desired outcomes. In an attempt to recalibrate its strategy, the company is pivoting to better position itself against competitors like Spotify and YouTube, particularly as the podcasting sector increasingly incorporates video formats.