Amazon Denies Wondery Podcast Studio Shutdown Report

Amazon Addresses Reports Regarding Wondery's Future

Amazon has refuted claims suggesting the closure of Wondery, the podcast studio it purchased in late 2020. These denials follow a report published by Bloomberg on Monday, which indicated a planned studio shutdown and a reduction of 110 positions.

Restructuring, Not Shutdown

According to statements provided to TechCrunch, Wondery will persist in producing podcasts driven by creators, operating under the existing Wondery brand, but within a reorganized team structure.

The primary shift involves a separation of the teams responsible for Wondery’s narrative podcast productions and those focused on creator-led programs.

Integration with Audible

Wondery’s narrative podcast studio, encompassing popular series such as Dr. Death and American Scandal, is being integrated with Audible.

Adapting to a Changing Podcast Landscape

Amazon acknowledges a substantial evolution within the podcasting industry over recent years. This evolution is particularly marked by the increasing prominence of video-centric, creator-driven content.

“These adjustments mirror this evolution and will facilitate a more streamlined integration of Wondery into Amazon’s broader operations,” Amazon explained in a formal statement.

The company believes these changes will enhance support for creators in monetizing their content across various platforms.

Furthermore, Amazon aims to assist creators in expanding their intellectual property and simplify advertising processes, all while improving content accessibility for audiences.

Strategic Shift Towards Video

Despite previously attracting prominent figures within the podcasting sphere, Amazon is now modifying its approach. This strategic adjustment is intended to bolster its competitive standing against platforms like Spotify and YouTube, as the podcasting sector increasingly adopts video formats.

Note: This article has been updated to include Amazon’s denial of the Wondery shutdown reports.