• Amazon is shutting down its Wondery podcast studio and cutting 110 jobs.
• The restructure reflects a strategic shift towards video and personality-driven content.
• Wondery's CEO, Jen Sargent, will also exit as part of the transition.
• Narrative podcasts will now be consolidated under Audible's operations.
• The changes aim to enhance monetization strategies for creator-led shows.

In a significant reorganization, Amazon is dismantling its Wondery podcast studio and laying off approximately 110 employees. This restructuring decision is linked to a broader industry shift towards video content, which has become increasingly dominant in the podcast realm. Jen Sargent, the CEO of Wondery, will also depart the company amid these changes, indicating a clear pivot in Amazon's strategy for its audio business, according to Indiatimes, Business Insider, SCMP, and Reuters.

As part of the changes, Wondery's award-winning narrative podcasts, such as "Dr. Death" and "American Scandal," will now operate under Audible, Amazon's audiobook division. This move results from a growing desire among audiences for personality-driven video content, which has increasingly reshaped listener preferences within the podcast industry. The abrupt consolidation signals intended realignment towards competitive markets dominated by creators like Joe Rogan, reflecting a broader industry trend, according to Business Insider, SCMP, and Reuters.

The restructuring entails separating teams focused on narrative podcasts from those developing creator-led shows. The consolidation aims to better monetize content by enhancing sponsorship opportunities across Amazon's platforms. Steve Boom, Amazon's vice president for audio, highlighted that the rise of video has "blurred the lines" of traditional podcast creation, indicating a shift in strategic focus for Amazon. This restructuring allows for more effective engagement with audiences and advertisers, as detailed in memos viewed by multiple news outlets, including Indiatimes, Business Insider, and Reuters.