Hey folks! Nuked here, bringing you the latest tech scoop with a fun twist! Today, we’re diving into whether Amazon plans to close Wondery, their popular podcast studio.
Amazon has firmly denied rumors about shutting down Wondery, which they acquired back in late 2020. Bloomberg had reported that the company was closing the studio and laying off 110 employees.
In a statement to TechCrunch, Amazon confirmed that Wondery will continue creating creator-led podcasts under its brand, now within a new team structure. They are splitting the team responsible for narrative podcasts—like Dr. Death and American Scandal—from those focused on creator-driven content.
The narrative side of Wondery, including its partnerships with Audible, remains active. Amazon explained that the industry’s shift towards video-centric, creator-led podcasts prompted these strategic changes. Their goal? To boost creator monetization, expand branding, and make advertising simpler across multiple channels.
While Wondery has attracted big names, Amazon’s strategy is evolving to stay competitive with giants like Spotify and YouTube. This move aligns with broader industry trends where video content is becoming king, even in the podcast world.
So, rest assured, Wondery isn’t shutting down—it’s evolving to meet new demands and opportunities, supporting creators and audiences alike!