Amazon has refuted recent reports suggesting the closure of its Wondery podcast studio, emphasizing that the studio will persist in developing creator-led podcasts under the Wondery brand within a newly established team. This clarification follows a Bloomberg report indicating that Amazon planned to shut down the studio and eliminate 110 positions.
The company is implementing a strategic reorganization by separating the teams responsible for Wondery’s narrative podcast productions from those focusing on creator-led content. As part of this restructuring, Wondery’s narrative podcast studio, known for acclaimed series such as Dr. Death and American Scandal, will be integrated with Audible, Amazon’s audiobook and spoken-word content platform.
In an official statement, Amazon highlighted the significant evolution of the podcast landscape in recent years, particularly noting the rise of video-centric, creator-led content. The company stated that these organizational changes are designed to streamline Wondery’s integration within Amazon, thereby enhancing support for creators in monetizing their content across multiple channels. Additionally, the restructuring aims to assist creators in expanding their brand intellectual property and to simplify the advertising process, making content more accessible to audiences on their preferred platforms. This strategic shift builds upon Wondery’s initial successes with video-forward shows and positions Amazon to better serve creators, customers, and advertisers.
Despite securing prominent figures in the podcasting industry, Amazon is adjusting its strategy to more effectively compete with platforms like Spotify and YouTube, as the industry increasingly embraces video formats. This move reflects Amazon’s commitment to adapting to the evolving media consumption landscape and underscores its dedication to supporting diverse content creators.
