Amazon is reorganizing its Wondery podcast network operations as part of a broader restructuring of its audio business. The company will cut approximately 110 jobs in the process, according to Bloomberg. Wondery CEO Jen Sargent will exit the company as part of these changes.

Despite earlier reports suggesting a complete shutdown, Amazon clarified for TechCrunch that the Wondery brand will continue to exist, primarily focusing on creator-led podcasts within a newly formed team.

“The podcast landscape has evolved significantly in the past few years, particularly with the rise of video-forward, creator-led content,” Amazon stated. “These changes reflect that evolution and will streamline how Wondery integrates further into Amazon.”

The restructuring divides Wondery’s operations into distinct segments. The narrative podcast studio, responsible for shows like “Dr. Death” and “American Scandal,” will merge with Amazon’s Audible division. Meanwhile, personality-driven shows, including Jason and Travis Kelce’s podcast, will move to a new “creator services” team.

This reorganization acknowledges that Amazon’s podcast strategy hasn’t delivered expected results, as the industry increasingly shifts toward video formats. Amazon aims to better compete with platforms like Spotify and YouTube, which have successfully embraced this video-first approach.

“The rise of video has also blurred the lines on what it means to be a podcast creator,” wrote Steve Boom, Amazon’s VP of Audio, Twitch, and Games, in a staff memo viewed by Bloomberg.

New Advertising Strategy

Wondery’s advertising and sponsorships organization will form a new team handling similar deals across Amazon Music and creator-led programs. The company aims to enhance its capacity to secure large sponsorships and integrations across the Amazon platform.

The Wondery+ subscription app will continue to operate “for the foreseeable future,” according to a person familiar with the plans who asked not to be identified.

Amazon purchased Wondery for approximately $300 million in 2020 during the podcast industry’s boom period. The current restructuring reflects broader industry challenges in adapting to changing consumption patterns.

In 2025, an estimated 158 million Americans ages 12 and up listen to podcasts monthly, according to Edison Research, with 48% of U.S. audiences having both listened to and watched podcasts.

Several of Wondery’s popular shows have recently moved to other platforms, including “Morbid,” which is now licensed by SiriusXM, and “SmartLess,” which also works with SiriusXM.

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