While mass layoffs are often associated with Indian IT giants like TCS or Infosys, in a surprise move, Amazon has laid off over 100 employees from its Wondery podcast division as part of a major restructuring of its audio business. This shake-up highlights shifting trends in the podcasting world, as Amazon pivots towards creator-led, video-driven content.
The company is eliminating roughly 110 positions, including the CEO of Wondery, Jen Sargent. In a note to the employees, Steve Boom, Amazon’s vice president of audio, Twitch and games, Amazon annoucned that Narrative podcasts, story-driven series like Dr. Death, American Scandal, and Business Wars, will now be managed under Audible, Amazon’s audiobook service.
Podcasts led by creators and celebrities-such as New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce, Mind the Game, and Armchair Expert—will form a new Creator Services group inside Amazon’s Talent Services division. Some will retain the Wondery brand.
Amazon says this shift is driven by how podcast consumption has evolved, video‑style, personality‑led shows are now more popular, especially on platforms like YouTube and Spotify, demanding different strategies for discoverability, monetization, and advertising.
Most of the affected staff are being laid off, but Amazon notes that many have transitioned to other roles within the company.
However, around 110 Wondery employees are departing, and the CEO, Jen Sargent, is also stepping down. Despite the overhaul, Wondery as a brand is not ending, some creator-led shows will continue under its name, and its Wondery+ app remains in operation.
Amazon is reshuffling its podcast business by merging story-driven shows into Audible and grouping celebrity or creator-led programming into a new creator services division.
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