Amazon Shuts Down Wondery Podcast Studio, Lays Off 110 Employees Amid Audio Business Restructuring

Amazon is closing its Wondery podcast studio and laying off 110 employees as it undertakes a major reorganization of its audio business. The move, reported by Bloomberg on August 4, 2025, marks a decisive shift in Amazon’s podcasting strategy just a few years after acquiring Wondery in late 2020 in a deal reportedly valued at around $300 million.

As part of the shakeup, Amazon will transition existing Wondery podcast series to its Audible platform or a new ‘creator services’ division that will focus on personality-driven content. This group will be home to high-profile shows such as the podcast hosted by NFL stars Jason and Travis Kelce.

Steve Boom, Amazon’s vice president of audio, Twitch, and games, acknowledged significant shifts in the podcast landscape in a memo to staff. “The rise of video has also blurred the lines on what it means to be a podcast creator,” Boom wrote.

Amazon’s decision comes as the competitive dynamics in podcasting have fundamentally changed. While the company has secured major names and invested heavily since rolling out podcast support on Amazon Music and purchasing Wondery, it has struggled to make the same impact as rivals including Spotify and YouTube—both of which have aggressively embraced video and high-profile exclusive deals.

The closure of Wondery’s studio and job cuts reflect Amazon’s bid to streamline operations and better position itself in an industry where traditional audio podcasts are increasingly interwoven with video-driven platforms and creator-focused models.