Amazon lays off 110 employees in Wondery Podcast Division to restructure its audio business

Amazon cut 100 jobs in its Wondery podcast unit, including senior roles, shifting focus to video-based content. Shows like Dr. Death will move to Audible, while creator-led programs get a new team. Wondery’s brand continues, reflecting industry’s pivot to video-first strategies amid broader tech layoffs.

New Delhi: Tech giant Amazon has made big layoffs in the 'Wondery Podcast' division under its audio business, firing more than 110 employees. These include many senior officials, including the CEO of Wondery. This move reflects a change in the company's podcast strategy, where now the focus will be on video-based and creator-centric content.

Why did the layoffs happen?

Amazon said that now its original podcast shows like 'Dr. Death,' 'American Scandal,' and 'Business Wars' will be managed under its audiobook service 'Audible.' At the same time, celebrity- and creator-led shows (like 'New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce' and 'Mind the Game') will be shifted under a new 'Creator Services Group.' The company says that this change has been made according to the growing trends in the podcast industry.

Changes in the podcast industry

Nowadays, video-based and personality-driven shows are becoming more popular on platforms like YouTube and Spotify. There is also a high possibility of advertising and profit in these. That is why Amazon has changed its strategy and has now given priority to creator-centric and video-friendly content.

Will the Wondery brand end?

No, Amazon has clarified that the brand identity of Wondery will remain. Some shows will still continue under the same name, and the Wondery+ app will also continue. Also, most of the employees who were fired have been shifted to other departments of the company.

Phase of layoffs in the IT sector

This news has come at a time when there is talk of large-scale layoffs at India's leading IT company, TCS. However, this decision of Amazon has not been taken due to the IT sector but due to changes in content and media strategy.

This move by Amazon shows that trends in the digital content industry are changing rapidly. Companies are now preferring video and interactive content over traditional audio podcasts. In such a situation, it has become necessary for employees to learn and adapt new skills.