Amazon is set to cut at least 100 jobs at Wondery, its podcast division, as part of a major restructuring aimed at streamlining operations. Around 110 employees have reportedly already been informed of the decision.
According to Bloomberg, Steve Boom, Vice President of Audio, Twitch and Games, has outlined plans to merge Wondery’s podcast teams with those at Audible. The combined unit will form a new division called Creator Services, focusing on creator-led content.
As part of the shake-up, Wondery CEO Jen Sargent will step down. The restructuring is intended to enhance experiences for customers, creators, and advertisers alike.
Amazon acquired Wondery nearly five years ago, inheriting its slate of acclaimed narrative podcasts such as Dirty John, Dr Death, and American History Tellers. Founded in 2016 by Hernan Lopez and backed by 20th Century Fox, Wondery quickly rose to prominence in the audio industry.
However, with rising competition from video-centric platforms like YouTube, many audio-first companies are revisiting strategies to remain relevant. Amazon’s move seeks to integrate Wondery’s storytelling strengths with Audible’s platform while doubling down on creator-driven content.
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