Amazon in Talks to Buy Podcast Publisher Wondery: Report

Wondery boasts of being the world's largest independent podcast publisher.

Amazon in Talks to Buy Podcast Publisher Wondery: Report

Amazon is facing increased scrutiny from antitrust enforcers for its growing dominance over key sectors

Highlights
  • Amazon already offers some podcasts through its music app
  • Wondery explored the potential for acquisition with Apple and Sony
  • Wondery seeks $300 million (roughly Rs. 2,200 crores) or more from suitor
Advertisement

Internet giant Amazon is in talks to buy podcast publisher Wondery, which serves up hit audio shows Dr. Death and Serial, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday.

West Hollywood-based Wondery boasts of being the world's largest independent podcast publisher, and has reportedly also explored the potential for acquisition with Apple and Sony Music Entertainment.

Industry tracker Podtrac ranked Wondery as being the fourth most listened to podcast publisher in the US in November, with slightly more than 9 million people tuning in to audio programmes it hosts.

Podcasts have boomed in popularity, with people tuning in to hear compelling real or scripted stories as well as interviews.

Launched in 2016, Wondery has won audiences for shows such as Dr. Death, Dirty John, Business Wars, The Shrink Next Door, and Gladiator.

Wondery is seeking $300 million (roughly Rs. 2,200 crores) or more from a suitor, according to US media reports.

Amazon and Wondery both declined to comment on the report.

Word that Wondery is open to being bought comes as its chief executive Hernan Lopez defends himself against federal criminal charges over alleged bribes paid for broadcasting rights to major soccer tournaments while he worked as a Fox executive.

Amazon, which already offers some podcasts through its music app, is facing increased scrutiny from antitrust enforcers for its growing dominance over key sectors of the economy as it expands in retail and streaming media.


iPhone 12 Pro Series Is Amazing, but Why Is It So Expensive in India? We discussed this on Orbital, our weekly technology podcast, which you can subscribe to via Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or RSS, download the episode, or just hit the play button below.

Affiliate links may be automatically generated - see our ethics statement for details.
Comments

For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who'sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube.

Further reading: Amazon, Podcasts, Wondery
Twitter Expands Hate Speech Rules to Include Race, Ethnicity and National Origin
Share on Facebook Gadgets360 Twitter Share Tweet Snapchat Share Reddit Comment google-newsGoogle News
 
 

Advertisement

Follow Us

Advertisement

© Copyright Red Pixels Ventures Limited 2024. All rights reserved.
Trending Products »
Latest Tech News »