In a significant shift, Amazon has decided to shut down its Wondery podcast label, marking a major step in the company’s ongoing restructuring strategy. The move is expected to impact over 100 employees across various departments.

Wondery, once a promising addition to Amazon’s audio content ecosystem, became part of the company in 2020 with hopes of competing in the growing podcast space. Known for hit shows like Dr. Death and Dirty John, the label helped Amazon establish a stronger foothold in original audio storytelling. However, with shifting priorities and a closer focus on profitability, Amazon appears to be streamlining its media divisions.

According to internal sources, the decision to phase out Wondery stems from a broader effort to consolidate Amazon’s entertainment arms and reduce overlapping costs. While the company has not abandoned podcasting entirely, it plans to scale back investment and shift its attention to more integrated and scalable audio formats through Audible and Amazon Music.

The transition will happen gradually, and some Wondery team members may be offered roles in other parts of Amazon. Others, however, are expected to be laid off. Amazon stated that the move is part of a strategy to “prioritize long-term growth and efficiency” across its global media operations.

For fans of Wondery’s popular series, many of the shows will remain available to stream, though future production plans remain uncertain. The announcement has sparked discussions about the challenges facing the podcast industry, especially as platforms that once raced to dominate the space begin tightening budgets.

This development reflects a broader trend in tech and media, where companies are re-evaluating their content strategies in a post-pandemic world.