“The Wondery news is gutting for those who lost their jobs. However, the reports of narrative podcasting’s death have been greatly exaggerated. My entire career, my life, really, is because of narrative podcasting. And that’s still true today.”
Laura Mayer, Executive Producer, Podcast Programming, ABC News
“Very sad to read the news about hashtag#wondery. The podcast industry wouldn’t be where it is today without it and its talented people.”
Cyril Bornette – Senior Director Business Development AdsWizz / SiriusXM
“This morning’s reporting on Wondery is a shock that I’m still processing. Though I’ve never been a Wondery employee, it certainly has felt like it; I’ve grown very fond of the family I’ve worked with so closely over the last eight years.”
Founder Thrumm / CEO, Airship / Host, History Daily.
“A lot of garbage being talked about Wondery being split up into different businesses within Amazon meaning the “death of narrative podcasting” … In narrative, there’s multiple commissioning bodies with sustainable business models now, and the pot of money that was being spent at Wondery isn’t gone, it’s just under a different label in Amazon now. If you’re good, it’s still there.”
Willard Foxton, Creative Director, Novel
“Wondery shutting down isn’t a story about the podcasting industry being in trouble. Quite the opposite, actually. It is, however, a warning sign that companies without the proper long-term strategy will eventually find themselves in difficult situations.”
Rich Cooke, Vice President, Sinclair Inc.
“Audio podcasting isn’t broken. What’s broken is audio podcasting with 25 names in the credits.”
John McDermott / Caloroga Shark Media
“My heart goes out to everyone who was affected, especially Jen Sargent, who joined us in 2018 and was instrumental in scaling Wondery before and after the Amazon acquisition. […] The best teams aren’t just talented; they’re brave. Brave enough to say yes to wild ideas. Brave enough to push boundaries. Brave enough to bet on stories that matter.”
Hernan Lopez, Founder, Wondery
“I’m not abandoning narrative podcasts. And neither will listeners.”
Laura Mayer
Executive Producer, Podcast Programming, ABC News
“Genuinely saddened to hear the news about Wondery. My thoughts go out to everyone impacted by the decision.
Steve Carsey, Director, Speech, Bauer Media
The past 12 months have shown us how much video-first podcasts have taken over […] Is this Amazon catching up… or a warning sign for everyone else?
Nick D., 7EQUIS
Big changes at Wondery. And a bigger signal for the podcast industry […] But here’s what really stood out: Amazon says it’s doubling down on video. This isn’t just about Wondery. It’s everywhere.
Chris Savage. CEO, Wistia