Wondery
{{Short description|American podcast network}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2022}}
{{Infobox broadcasting network
| name = Wondery
| logo = File:Wondery Logo (2024).png
| type = Podcast network (subsidiary)
| established = {{Start date and age|2016}}
| country = United States
| available = International
| owner =
| parent = Amazon Music (Amazon; 2020–present)
| website = {{URL|wondery.com}}
| footnotes =
| founder = Hernan Lopez
}}
Wondery is an American podcast network and publisher of podcasts including American History Tellers, Dr. Death and The Shrink Next Door. Wondery was founded in 2016 by entrepreneur and media executive Hernan Lopez.{{Cite web |date=2016-01-15 |title=Hernán López launches audio-on-demand company Wondery |url=https://www.mediamoves.com/2016/01/lopez-announces-launch-of-audio-on-demand-company-wondery.html |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=Media Moves |language=en-US}} The company was launched with backing from 20th Century Fox (now 20th Century Studios). In late 2020, it was announced that Wondery had been purchased by Amazon Music.
Several of Wondery's podcasts have been adapted for television, including Dirty John. Wondery has two premium subscription options, Wondery+ and Wondery+ Kids.{{Cite web |last1=Weprin |first1=Alex |date=2021-05-11 |title=Wondery to Join Apple Podcast Subscriptions (Exclusive) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/digital/wondery-apple-podcast-subscriptions-1234950864/ |access-date=2022-09-30 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}
History
= Founding =
Wondery was launched in 2016 by Hernan Lopez, the exiting Fox International Channels CEO with backing from what was then called 20th Century Fox. The stated goal of the network is to curate and create audio shows with a focus on mobile users and audio-on-demand. The company teamed up with ART19 on distribution infrastructure and cross podcast dynamic insertion of ads.{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2016/biz/news/wondery-podcast-network-fox-hernan-lopez-1201679146/|title=Fox Backs Wondery Podcast Network Launched By Former Exec Hernan Lopez|last=Littleton|first=Cynthia|date=January 13, 2016|access-date=July 12, 2016|archive-date=July 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160703041430/http://variety.com/2016/biz/news/wondery-podcast-network-fox-hernan-lopez-1201679146/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2016/01/fox-backed-audio-on-demand-network-wondery-launched-1201682337/|title=Former Fox International Channels CEO Launches Fox-Backed Audio-On-Demand Network|last=Petski|first=Denise|date=January 13, 2016|access-date=July 12, 2016|archive-date=August 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818090734/http://deadline.com/2016/01/fox-backed-audio-on-demand-network-wondery-launched-1201682337/|url-status=live}} Lopez was joined by Jeffrey Glaser, previously head of current programming at 20th Century Fox Television, where he oversaw series including 24, American Dad!, Arrested Development, Bones, Empire, Family Guy, Glee, How I Met Your Mother, Modern Family and The X-Files. Glaser was appointed president of content.{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2016/digital/news/jeffrey-glaser-wondery-20th-century-fox-tv-1201736273/|title=Jeffrey Glaser, Former 20th Century Fox TV Exec, Joins Podcast Startup Wondery|last=Spangler|first=Todd|date=March 22, 2016|access-date=July 12, 2016|archive-date=August 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803185616/http://variety.com/2016/digital/news/jeffrey-glaser-wondery-20th-century-fox-tv-1201736273/|url-status=live}}
= Funding =
In addition to the initial financial backing from 20th Century Fox, Wondery has held multiple funding rounds. The company's series A funding round in March 2018 brought in $5 million from investors including Greycroft, Lerer Hippeau Ventures, and Shari Redstone's Advancit Capital venture-capital firms.{{Cite web|title=Legal Wars|url=https://wondery.com/shows/legal-wars/|access-date=March 31, 2021|website=Wondery – Feel The Story|language=en-US|archive-date=April 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415051607/https://wondery.com/shows/legal-wars/|url-status=live}} Lopez announced plans to use the funding to add new original podcasts to the company’s roster.{{Cite web |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/bizwomen/news/latest-news/2019/07/wondery-raises-5-million-for-podcast-network.html?page=all |access-date=2023-03-22 |first=Annlee |last=Ellingson |date=Jul 1, 2019 |publisher=Bizwomen |title=Wondery raises $5 million for podcast network |website=www.bizjournals.com}} In June 2019, Wondery had a funding round of $10 million which indicates a value of over $100 million.{{cite news |last1=Steele |first1=Anne |title=Wondery Raises $10 Million to Take Podcasts Global |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/wondery-raises-10-million-to-take-podcasts-global-11561633201 |access-date=July 22, 2019 |work=Wall Street Journal |date=June 27, 2019 |archive-date=July 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721152623/https://www.wsj.com/articles/wondery-raises-10-million-to-take-podcasts-global-11561633201 |url-status=live }} Lopez stated that the funds would be used for international expansion, along with new content and technology.{{Cite web |last1=Spangler |first1=Todd |date=2019-06-29 |title=Podcaster Wondery Banks $10 Million, Taps NatGeo Vet Declan Moore for International Push |url=https://variety.com/2019/digital/news/wondery-podcast-10-million-funding-declan-moore-1203256392/ |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=Variety |language=en-US}} This series B funding was led by Waverley Capital. With the closing of the round, Former National Geographic Partners Chief Executive Declan Moore became Wondery's international programming head.{{cite news |last1=Amore |first1=Samson |title=Podcast Network Wondery Raises $10 Million Round Led By Waverley Capital |url=http://labusinessjournal.com/news/2019/jun/27/wondery-raises-10-million-from-waverley-capital/ |access-date=July 22, 2019 |work=Los Angeles Business Journal |date=June 27, 2019 |archive-date=July 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722155053/https://labusinessjournal.com/news/2019/jun/27/wondery-raises-10-million-from-waverley-capital/ |url-status=live }}
=Growth =
Within three years of its founding, Wondery became a top five podcast publisher with 40 million downloads in December 2018 alone. There were six 2019 iHeartRadio Podcast Award nominations for four of the publisher's show with one win: Dr. Death for Most Bingeable Podcast.{{cite news |last1=Dudley |first1=Joshua |title=Wondery And Their Wonderful Year Of Storytelling |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/joshuadudley/2019/01/22/wondery-and-their-wonderful-year-of-storytelling/ |access-date=July 22, 2019 |work=Forbes |date=January 22, 2019 |language=en |archive-date=July 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722212418/https://www.forbes.com/sites/joshuadudley/2019/01/22/wondery-and-their-wonderful-year-of-storytelling/ |url-status=live }}
In 2018, Wondery began adapting some of its podcasts to television.{{Cite web |last=Keene |first=Allison |date=2018-01-29 |title=Dirty John TV Series Picked Up by Bravo as an Anthology |url=https://collider.com/dirty-john-tv-series-bravo/ |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=Collider |language=en-US}} That year, Bravo released the Dirty John TV series starring Connie Britton and Eric Bana. With 3.3 million viewers, Dirty John became Bravo’s most-watched new series in 4 and a half years.{{Cite web |first1=Joe |last1=Otterson |date=21 January 2019 |title='Dirty John' Finale Hits New Ratings Highs in Live+3 |url=https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/dirty-john-finale-ratings-1203113359/ |access-date=2024-03-28 |website=Variety |language=en}} Wondery announced plans to adapt other podcasts to TV, including Dr. Death, Over My Dead Body, The Shrink Next Door, WeCrashed, American Sports Story and Joe vs. Carole.{{Cite web |last1=Otterson |first1=Joe |date=2020-10-12 |title=Joshua Jackson Replaces Jamie Dornan in Lead Role of Peacock True Crime Series 'Dr. Death' |url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/joshua-jackson-dr-death-peacock-1234801294/ |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Locker |first=Melissa |date=2019-03-09 |title=Meet the startup turning your new favorite podcast into your next TV binge |url=https://www.fastcompany.com/90316661/meet-the-startup-turning-your-new-favorite-podcast-into-your-next-tv-binge |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=Fast Company |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last1=Otterson |first1=Joe |date=2020-02-19 |title=Paul Rudd, Will Ferrell to Star in 'Shrink Next Door' Series Adaptation for MRC Television |url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/paul-rudd-will-ferrell-shrink-next-door-series-podcast-mrc-television-1203506840/ |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last1=Petski |first1=Denise |date=2020-02-27 |title=Wondery Podcast 'WeCrashed' In Works As Limited Series At Apple |url=https://deadline.com/2020/02/wondery-podcast-wecrashed-in-works-limited-series-at-apple-1202870021/ |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last1=Petski |first1=Denise |date=2021-08-13 |title=FX Orders 'American Sports Story' & 'American Love Story' Spinoffs From Ryan Murphy |url=https://deadline.com/2021/08/fx-orders-american-sports-story-american-love-story-spinoffs-ryan-murphy-1234814197/ |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last1=Andreeva |first1=Nellie |date=2020-03-28 |title='Joe Exotic' UCP Limited Series Starring Kate McKinnon As Carole Baskin Becomes Hot Commodity With Success Of Netflix's 'Tiger King' |url=https://deadline.com/2020/03/joe-exotic-ucp-limited-series-kate-mckinnon-star-carole-baskin-hot-commodity-success-tiger-king-netflix-1202894920/ |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}} That year, Wondery also partnered with several celebrities who launched shows on the platform, including Ellen DeGeneres, Jillian Michaels, and Tina Brown.{{Cite web |title=Universal Music Partners With Wondery To Step Up Podcast Production. |url=https://www.insideradio.com/podcastnewsdaily/universal-music-partners-with-wondery-to-step-up-podcast-production/article_b3831b54-61f8-11e9-97ee-abaac369a361.html |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=Insideradio.com |date=April 18, 2019 |language=en}}
In June 2018, Wondery announced the release of its premium subscription offering, Wondery+ on iOS and Android. For a monthly fee, Wondery+ subscribers receive ad-free podcasts, early downloads, and bonus materials.{{Cite web |last=Porch |first=Scott |date=2018-06-27 |title=Is the "Netflix of podcasts" moment finally here? |url=https://www.fastcompany.com/40589660/these-companies-are-trying-to-build-the-netflix-of-podcasts |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=Fast Company |language=en-US}}
The Walt Disney Company inherited Fox's stake in Wondery after Disney acquired 21st Century Fox's assets on March 20, 2019.{{cite news|last1=McClintock|first1=Pamela|last2=Bond|first2=Paul|title=Anxiety, AWOL Executives and "Bloodshed": How Disney Is Making 21st Century Fox Disappear|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/features/how-disney-will-make-21st-century-fox-disappear-1182704|access-date=August 13, 2019|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=February 6, 2019|language=en|archive-date=July 31, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190731120746/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/features/how-disney-will-make-21st-century-fox-disappear-1182704|url-status=live}}
Universal Music Group agreed in April 2019 to allow Wondery a license to use UMG music catalog and develop UMG artists' story podcasts, which then may be adapted into TV or film projects. Wondery would work with all UMG labels and with its Polygram Entertainment film and TV production unit.{{cite news |last1=Lee |first1=Wendy |title=Universal Music Group partners with Wondery, which produced 'Dirty John' podcast |url=https://www.latimes.com/business/hollywood/la-fi-ct-universal-music-group-wondery-podcast-20190417-story.html |access-date=July 22, 2019 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=April 17, 2019 |archive-date=July 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722212413/https://www.latimes.com/business/hollywood/la-fi-ct-universal-music-group-wondery-podcast-20190417-story.html |url-status=live }}
In early May 2019, Wondery and Cumulus Media announced a strategic alliance for new advertising opportunities and growing podcast listeners. The first item from the alliance is a Business Wars podcast franchise expansion, Sports Wars, would start airing on 40 Cumulus radio stations the first weekend in May and syndicated by Westwood One, a Cumulus subsidiary.{{cite news |title=Cumulus Signs Content Deal With Wondery |url=https://radioink.com/2019/05/02/cumulus-signs-content-deal-with-wondery/ |access-date=July 22, 2019 |work=Radio Ink |date=May 3, 2019 |archive-date=July 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722212413/https://radioink.com/2019/05/02/cumulus-signs-content-deal-with-wondery/ |url-status=live }}
Wondery announced in October 2019 that it was expanding its international initiatives by partnering with Ranieri and Co., a podcast company based in Australia and New Zealand that would serve as Wondery’s local representative. This partnership allowed brands in Australia and New Zealand access to Wondery’s podcast portfolio. Wondery had already had five top-ranking podcasts in Australia.{{Cite web |title=Wondery Appoints Ranieri & Co. As ANZ Region Rep. |url=https://www.insideradio.com/podcastnewsdaily/wondery-appoints-ranieri-co-as-anz-region-rep/article_fd5f2ad6-ee9f-11e9-9e82-977638fc62e6.html |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=Insideradio.com |date=October 14, 2019 |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Blackiston |first=Hannah |date=2019-10-14 |title=Independent podcast giant Wondery partners with local outfit, Ranieri and Co |url=https://mumbrella.com.au/independent-podcast-giant-wondery-partners-with-local-outfit-ranieri-and-co-602259 |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=Mumbrella |language=en-US}}
In 2020, the company released its own listening app for its subscribers.{{Cite web |date=2020-09-09 |title=Why Wondery Launched A Stand-Alone Podcast App |url=https://www.adexchanger.com/the-sell-sider/why-wondery-launched-a-stand-alone-podcast-app/ |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=AdExchanger |language=en-US}} In 2021, Wondery+ became available to Apple users on Apple Podcast Subscriptions.
Also In 2020, Wondery podcasts won five Ambies at the first Awards for Excellence in Audio awards show hosted by The Podcast Academy.{{Cite web |last1=Spangler |first1=Todd |date=2021-05-17 |title=The First Ambies Awards Winners: Best Podcasts of 2020 |url=https://variety.com/2021/digital/news/ambies-awards-winners-best-podcasts-1234974578/ |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=Variety |language=en-US}} There were five award winners among Wondery’s roster at the 2020 iHeartRadio Podcast Awards and one at the 2021 iHeartRadio Podcast Awards.{{Cite web |author=T. H. R. Staff |date=2020-01-17 |title=iHeartRadio Podcast Awards 2020 Winners Revealed |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/iheartradio-podcast-awards-2020-winners-1270028/ |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last1=Spangler |first1=Todd |date=2021-01-22 |title=2021 iHeartRadio Podcast Awards Winners: 'Office Ladies' Wins Podcast of the Year |url=https://variety.com/2021/digital/news/2021-iheartradio-podcast-awards-winners-1234890027/ |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
In April 2020, Hernan Lopez CEO of Wondery was charged with wire fraud and money laundering in relation to attempts to win broadcast rights for Fox Broadcasting Company for the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups.{{cite news |title=Ex-Fox Executives Stay Free on $15M Bonds After Arraignment for FIFA Scandal Charges |url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2020/04/09/fifa-scandal-arraignment-hernan-lopez-carlos-martinez-fox-world-cup-bribery |access-date=April 11, 2020 |publisher=Sports Illustrated |date=April 9, 2020 |archive-date=April 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200411170905/https://www.si.com/soccer/2020/04/09/fifa-scandal-arraignment-hernan-lopez-carlos-martinez-fox-world-cup-bribery |url-status=live }} Lopez maintains his innocence, the trial was delayed to January 2023.{{Cite web |date=2020-11-19 |title=Fighting Bribery Charges, Lopez Says it's 'Not Surprising' Companies Want to Buy Wondery |url=https://dot.la/wondery-2648972988/particle-2 |access-date=2022-09-30 |website=dot.LA |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2022-05-09 |title=Trial of Fox executives in FIFA case delayed to January |url=https://apnews.com/article/business-sports-soccer-international-south-america-1cc116f756f13287969cc9d10e24d12d |access-date=2022-09-30 |website=AP NEWS |language=en}}
On April 28, 2020, Wondery announced a partnership with Al Jazeera Media Network to launch Business Wars and other flagship podcasts in Arabic via Al Jazeera Podcasts.{{Cite web|title=Al Jazeera and Wondery announce global strategic partnership and launch flagship podcast in the Arab World|url=https://ajmn.tv/2cyl4|date=April 27, 2020|website=Al Jazeera Media Network|language=en|access-date=May 16, 2020}}
On May 16, 2020, Wondery was accused of negotiating with the Call Her Daddy podcast hosts while they were still under contract with their parent company, Barstool Sports.{{cite web |url=https://nypost.com/2020/05/16/call-her-daddy-podcast-hosts-have-turned-on-each-other-insider-says/ |work=New York Post |date=May 16, 2020 |access-date=July 14, 2020 |title='Call Her Daddy' podcast hosts have 'turned on each other,' insider says |archive-date=July 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715023748/https://nypost.com/2020/05/16/call-her-daddy-podcast-hosts-have-turned-on-each-other-insider-says/ |url-status=live }}
It was reported in early 2021 that Wondery, together with Barstool Sports, NPR, iHeartRadio, and The Daily Wire comprised a group of companies that accounted for one-third of all advertising revenue generated by the entire podcasting industry during 2020.{{Cite web |date=2021-02-03 |title=Barstool Sports, NPR, Wondery Were Top-Earning Podcast Producers Of 2020 (Report) |url=https://www.tubefilter.com/2021/02/03/barstool-sports-wondery-mediaradar-podcasts-2020/ |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=Tubefilter |language=en-US}}
In March 2021, Wondery sold the South African rights to its podcasts to African Media Entertainment, allowing for greater access to podcasts in the growing South African market.{{Cite web |title=AME partners with Wondery podcasts |url=https://www.mediaupdate.co.za/media/150268/ame-partners-with-wondery-podcasts |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=Media Update |date=March 10, 2021 |language=en}}
In June 2021, Jason Bateman, Will Arnett and Sean Hayes’s podcast SmartLess was obtained by Wondery and Amazon Music.{{Cite web |last1=White |first1=Peter |date=2021-06-29 |title=Jason Bateman, Will Arnett & Sean Hayes Podcast 'Smartless' Acquired By Amazon Music & Wondery |url=https://deadline.com/2021/06/jason-bateman-will-arnett-sean-hayes-podcast-smartless-acquired-amazon-music-wondery-1234783265/ |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}
In August 2021, Wondery and Amazon Music announced they had arranged an exclusive licensing and ad sales deal with another podcast company, Tinkercast. Newly released Tinkercast podcasts would be released one week early on Amazon Music and ad-free on Wondery+.{{Cite web |title=Wondery signs strategic partnership with Tinkercast |url=https://kidscreen.com/2021/08/26/wondery-signs-strategic-partnership-with-tinkercast/ |access-date=2022-09-22}}{{Cite web |last1=Chan |first1=J. Clara |date=2021-08-25 |title=Wondery, Amazon Music Strike Licensing Deal With Tinkercast (Exclusive) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/digital/wondery-amazon-tinkercast-1235002359/ |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}
In September 2021, Wondery released a premium subscription service for children and families. Named Wondery+ Kids, the audio subscription is separate from Wondery+. It is available on Apple Podcasts, and is aimed at children ages four through 12.{{Cite web |last=Neuts |first=Dana E. |date=2021-10-01 |title=Wondery Offers New Kids' Podcast Subscription Service |url=https://www.subscriptioninsider.com/type-of-subscription-business/entertainment-and-streaming/wondery-offers-new-kids-podcast-subscription-service |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=Subscription Insider |language=en-US}} Shortly after launching Wondery+ Kids, the company announced a partnership with Gen-Z Media, which publishes children’s podcasts. Under the terms of the partnership, Wondery obtained exclusive rights to licensing, distribution, marketing, and advertising sales for a minimum of 18 podcasts, which are available ad-free on Wondery+ Kids.{{Cite web |last1=White |first1=Peter |date=2021-10-13 |title=Wondery Expands Into Kids Podcasting With Gen-Z Media Deal |url=https://deadline.com/2021/10/wondery-expands-into-kids-podcasting-with-gen-z-media-deal-1234854690/ |access-date=2022-09-30 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}
In February 2022, How I Built This hosted by NPR's Guy Raz entered into an exclusive three year ad and licensing agreement with Wondery and Amazon Music.{{Cite web |last1=Chan |first1=J. Clara |date=2022-02-10 |title=NPR's 'How I Built This' Strikes Licensing Deal With Amazon Music, Wondery (Exclusive) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/digital/npr-how-i-built-this-amazon-music-wondery-guy-raz-1235090757/ |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}
In May 2022, Wondery became the first podcast platform to support Dolby Atmos, an audio format that allows for 3D surround sound.{{Cite web |last=Espósito |first=Filipe |date=2022-05-11 |title=Dolby Atmos coming to podcasts with Wondery as first supported platform |url=https://9to5mac.com/2022/05/11/dolby-atmos-coming-to-podcasts-with-wondery-as-first-supported-platform/ |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=9to5Mac |language=en-US}} Support for Dolby Atmos is available to Wondery+ subscribers, with a free trial available.{{Cite web |author1=Oliver Haslam |date=2022-05-12 |title=Wondery is the first podcast platform to offer Dolby Atmos support |url=https://www.imore.com/wondery-first-podcast-platform-offer-dolby-atmos-support |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=iMore |language=en}}
Wondery began targeting the Italian market in July 2022 with a partnership with Acast. The deal enabled Acast to translate English-language series into Italian, beginning with the podcast Bunga, Bunga.{{Cite web |title=Podcast News Bites: Acast, Wondery, QCode. |url=https://www.insideradio.com/podcastnewsdaily/podcast-news-bites-acast-wondery-qcode/article_cf3a9dfa-0cfd-11ed-99e0-77d17e5576ab.html |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=Insideradio.com |date=July 26, 2022 |language=en}}
In 2022, Wondery’s podcasts picked up one Webby Award and two iHeartRadio Podcast Awards.{{Cite web |title=iHeartRadio Podcast Awards {{!}} iHeartRadio |url=https://www.iheart.com/podcast-awards/ |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=iHeartRadio Podcast Awards |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=NEW Webby Gallery + Index |url=https://winners.webbyawards.com/winners/podcasts?years=0 |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=NEW Webby Gallery + Index |language=en}}
As of July 2022, Wondery jumped into the No. 2 spot for top podcast publishers in the U.S. according to Podtrac. Wondery surpassed the previous No. 2 spot holder, NPR. At that time, Wondery reported that its number of unique U.S. listeners had increased to 23.8 million, a 59% increase from the 15 million listeners it had in May.{{Cite web |title=Podtrac: iHeart Holds No. 1 In June, Wondery Surpasses NPR. |url=https://www.insideradio.com/free/podtrac-iheart-holds-no-1-in-june-wondery-surpasses-npr/article_2954efc6-07a3-11ed-b43c-930172a99628.html |access-date=2022-09-30 |website=Insideradio.com |date=July 19, 2022 |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Podtrac Says iHeart Held Number One In June, But Wondery Jumped Ahead Of NPR. |url=https://www.insideradio.com/podcastnewsdaily/podtrac-says-iheart-held-number-one-in-june-but-wondery-jumped-ahead-of-npr/article_71e28902-0784-11ed-85f8-3bbf3d1d329f.html |access-date=2022-09-30 |website=Insideradio.com |date=July 19, 2022 |language=en}}
= Acquisition =
On December 30, 2020, Amazon announced that they were acquiring Wondery under their Amazon Music division.{{Cite web|date=December 30, 2020|title=Wondery to join Amazon Music|url=https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/company-news/wondery-to-join-amazon-music|access-date=December 30, 2020|website=About Amazon|language=en|archive-date=December 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201230173322/https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/company-news/wondery-to-join-amazon-music|url-status=live}} The terms of the deal were not officially disclosed. However, it was reported by an anonymous source for The New York Times that the transaction was valued at about $300 million.{{Cite news |last=Hirsch |first=Lauren |date=2020-12-30 |title=Amazon Buys Wondery as Podcasting Race Continues |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/30/business/dealbook/wondery-amazon-podcasts.html |access-date=2022-09-22 |issn=0362-4331}} At the time of the deal it was reported that Wondery was the largest independent podcast network.{{Cite news |last=Soper |first=Spencer |date=January 7, 2021 |title=Amazon's Purchase of Wondery Is a Big Bet on Podcast Advertising |work=Bloomberg |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-01-07/amazon-s-purchase-of-wondery-is-a-big-bet-on-podcast-advertising?leadSource=uverify%20wall |access-date=September 30, 2022}} The deal was closed on February 10, 2021. At that time, Hernan Lopez stepped down as CEO, as previously planned when the acquisition was announced, and former Wondery COO Jen Sargent became the new CEO.{{Cite web |title=Wondery Founder Hernan Lopez To Leave After Sale To Amazon Closes. |url=https://www.insideradio.com/podcastnewsdaily/wondery-founder-hernan-lopez-to-leave-after-sale-to-amazon-closes/article_bcbc23d0-4eb1-11eb-9270-2f7957002cba.html |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=Insideradio.com |date=January 4, 2021 |language=en}} Amazon announced that the acquisition would enable the growth of podcasts and bring greater accessibility to their domestic and international audiences.{{Cite web |title=Amazon buys Wondery, setting itself up to compete against Spotify for podcast domination |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/12/30/22098312/amazon-music-wondery-acquire-buy-podcast-industry |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=The Verge |date=December 30, 2020 |language=en-US}}
Prior to the announcement of Amazon’s acquisition of Wondery, it was reported that Apple Inc. and Sony Music Entertainment had explored the possibility of purchasing the podcast publisher.{{Cite web |title=Apple, Sony Both Held Talks About Buying Podcaster Wondery |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-11-06/apple-sony-said-to-hold-talks-about-buying-podcaster-wondery?leadSource=uverify%20wall |access-date=2023-03-22 |first1=Lucas |last1=Shaw |first2=Mark |last2=Gurman |date=7 November 2020 |url-access=subscription |website=www.bloomberg.com |publisher=Bloomberg L.P.}}
Organization
Jen Sargent was first hired as the chief operating officer (COO) at Wondery. Sargent was formerly the co-founder of HitFix and president of Uproxx Media Group.{{Cite web |last1=Spangler |first1=Todd |date=2018-07-11 |title=Podcast Network Wondery Hires Jen Sargent, Former Uproxx and HitFix Boss, as COO |url=https://variety.com/2018/digital/news/wondery-jen-sargent-uproxx-hitfix-1202870687/ |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=Variety |language=en-US}} In 2021, Sargent was named as Wondery’s new CEO following Hernan Lopez’s departure.{{Cite web |last1=Cohen |first1=David |date=October 27, 2021 |title=For Wondery's Jen Sargent, It's All About the Story |url=https://www.adweek.com/media/wondery-jen-sargent-its-all-about-the-story/ |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=AdWeek |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last1=Spangler |first1=Todd |date=2021-04-01 |title=Podcast Studio Wondery, Now Owned by Amazon, Plans to Double Staff This Year |url=https://variety.com/2021/digital/news/wondery-jen-sargent-podcast-double-staff-1234942792/ |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
Jeanine Percival Wright was hired as the COO following Sargent’s ascent to the CEO’s office. Wright was formerly chief financial officer and senior vice president of strategy and operations at AdsWizz.{{Cite web |last1=Chan |first1=J. Clara |date=2022-02-22 |title=Wondery Hires Jeanine Percival Wright as Latest Podcast Executive |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/digital/wondery-jeanine-percival-wright-podcasts-1235097411/ |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}} Wright is also serving as the general manager, overseeing revenue, new market expansion, partnerships, operations and licensing.{{Cite news |last=Editorial Staff |date=February 24, 2022 |title=Podcast News Bites: Wondery, Will Ferrell, BBC, Bleav, Spreaker, PodcastOne, DAX. |work=InsideRadio |url=https://www.insideradio.com/podcastnewsdaily/podcast-news-bites-wondery-will-ferrell-bbc-bleav-spreaker-podcastone-dax/article_48375142-9596-11ec-bb2d-cbe1b6b01dd3.html |access-date=September 30, 2022}}
As of 2022, Marshall Lewy, served as the Chief Content Officer at Wondery.{{Cite web |date=July 1, 2022 |title=Exclusive Q&A with Marshall Lewy AB '99 |url=https://www.harvardwood.org/marshall_lewy_202207 |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=Harvardwood}} James Cator, former head of studios at Spotify for the U.K., joined Wondery as the head of commercial for Europe.{{Cite web |last1=Ravindran |first1=Manori |date=2022-05-06 |title=Spotify U.K. Studios Head Joins Wondery as Head of Commercial for Europe (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://variety.com/2022/digital/global/spotify-james-cator-wondery-1235260338/ |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=Variety |language=en-US}} In 2021, Nicole Blake, formerly of Warner Bros. and DreamWorks, served as the head of franchise development.{{Cite web |title=Wondery recruits former WB exec for kids expansion |url=https://kidscreen.com/2021/08/24/wondery-recruits-former-wb-exec-for-kids-expansion/ |access-date=2022-09-22}} Jessica Radburn, formerly Audible, served as the head of international podcast content.{{Cite web |last1=White |first1=Peter |date=2021-11-19 |title=Wondery & Amazon Music Hires Audible's Jessica Radburn As Head Of International Podcast Content |url=https://deadline.com/2021/11/wondery-audible-jessica-radburn-head-of-international-podcast-content-1234877187/ |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}} In 2020, Laurie Pracher served as the chief sales officer.{{Cite web |title=Wondery Previews New Shows In Upfront Presentation |url=https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/199851/wondery-previews-new-shows-in-upfront-presentation |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=All Access |language=en}}
At the end of 2020, Wondery had approximately 80 staff members. Sargent announced that the company planned to double its staff during 2021, prioritizing the growth of its development team.{{Cite web |last=jdudley1 |date=2021-04-02 |title=Wondery to Double Staff Size |url=https://podcastbusinessjournal.com/wondery-to-double-staff-size/ |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=Podcast Business Journal |language=en-US}}
Programming
{{Dynamic list}}
Under the banner of Wondery, the network offers dozens of shows,{{Cite web|url=http://wondery.com/wondery/shows/|title=Shows|publisher=Wondery|access-date=July 12, 2016|archive-date=July 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160708085619/http://wondery.com/wondery/shows/|url-status=live}} including:
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
|+ Current programming |
| scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Title ! scope="col" | Host or Starring !Genre !Co-producer !Notes ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Ref. |
|---|
| scope="row" align="center" |2021
| Against the Odds |Mike Corey and Cassie De Pecol | | | | |
| scope="row" align="center" |2018
|Lindsay Graham |History | | | |
| scope="row" align="center" |2018
|History | | |
| scope="row" align="center" |2018
| American Scandal |Lindsay Graham |Crime | | | |
| scope="row" align="center" |2024
| Answers for Claudia |Tom McDermott |Crime |Ailsa Rochester |
| scope="row" align="center" |2019
| Bad Batch |Laura Beil |Crime | | | |
| scope="row" align="center" |2019
|Gillian Jacobs, Josh Gad, Amy Landecker, Dominic Monaghan, and Wayne Knight |Audio drama | | | |
| scope="row" align="center" |2018
|David Brown |Business | |Won a Webby Award in 2019 and an iHeartRadio award in 2020 for Best Business & Finance Podcast |
| scope="row" align="center" |2020
| Death of a Starlet |Tracy Pattin and Josh Lucas |Crime | | | |
| scope="row" align="center" |2017
|Christopher Goffard |Crime |Adapted into the Dirty John series for Bravo |
| scope="row" align="center" |2018
|Laura Beil |Crime | |Won an iHeartRadio Podcast Award for Most Bingeable Podcast in 2019 |
| scope="row" align="center" |2020
|Even The Rich |Aricia Skidmore-Williams and Brooke Siffrinn |Society and culture | |A Wondery original series | |
| scope="row" align="center" |2012
|Aaron Habel and Justin Evans |Crime | | | |
| scope="row" align="center" |2021
|Harsh Reality: The Story of Miriam Rivera |Trace Lysette |Crime | | | |
| scope="row" align="center" |2018
|Virginia Madsen and Robbie Daymond |Society and culture | |Won a Quartz podcast Award in 2018 for "Best podcast on the human condition" and "Best new podcast" |
| scope="row" align="center" |2018
|Legal Wars |Hill Harper |History | | |
| scope="row" align="center" |2020
| Little Stories Everywhere |Various |Kids & Family | | | |
| scope="row" align="center" |2021
|MANslaughter |Dorothy Marcic and Molly Peterson |Crime | | | |
| scope="row" align="center" |2021
|Melon’s House Party |Various |Kids & Family | | | |
| scope="row" align="center" |2020
|The Dating Game Killer |Stephen Lang and Tracy Pattin |Crime | | | |
| scope="row" align="center" |2019
|The Mysterious Mr. Epstein |Lindsay Graham |Crime | | | |
| scope="row" align="center" |2019
|Crime | | |
| scope="row" align="center" |2016
|Marissa Jones |Crime | | | |
| scope="row" align="center" |2017
|Tides of History |Patrick Wyman |History | | | |
| scope="row" align="center" |2022
|Twin Flames |Stephanie Beatriz |Crime | | | |
| scope="row" align="center" |2016
|Real Crime Profile |Jim Clemente, Laura Richards, and Lisa Zambetti |Crime | | | |
| scope="row" align="center" |2014
|Amanda Weldin and Dan Hinds |Children's stories | | | |
| scope="row" align="center" |
| | | | | |
| scope="row" align="center" |2015
|Juicy Scoop with Heather McDonald |Heather McDonald |Society and culture |Midroll | | |
| scope="row" align="center" |
|Ruby |Laura Esterman and Bill Raymond |Audio drama | | |
| scope="row" align="center" |2019
|Sports Wars |Dan Rubenstein |Sports | |A Business Wars franchise expansion on 40 Cumulus Media stations and syndicated by Westwood One |
| scope="row" align="center" |2016
|What Should I Read Next? |Anne Bogel |Books | | |{{Cite web |last=Joho |first=Jess |date=April 25, 2022 |title=The 25 best podcasts for writers |url=https://mashable.com/article/best-podcasts-writers-authors-creative-writing |access-date=April 25, 2022 |website=Mashable |language=en |archive-date=April 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425153324/https://mashable.com/article/best-podcasts-writers-authors-creative-writing |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=January 11, 2022 |title=Pick the habit: the best podcasts to get you into a new hobby |url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2022/jan/11/pick-the-habit-the-best-podcasts-to-get-you-into-a-new-hobby |access-date=April 25, 2022 |website=the Guardian |language=en |archive-date=April 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220419043850/https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2022/jan/11/pick-the-habit-the-best-podcasts-to-get-you-into-a-new-hobby |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Regalado |first=Michelle |date=January 29, 2019 |title=Bookish Podcasts That Will Help You Pick Your Next Read |url=https://bookriot.com/bookish-podcasts-to-pick-your-next-read/ |access-date=April 25, 2022 |website=BOOK RIOT |language=en-US |archive-date=April 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419225141/https://bookriot.com/bookish-podcasts-to-pick-your-next-read/ |url-status=live }} |
| 2019
|1865 | |Historical fiction |Airship | | |
| scope="row" align="center" |2022
|Whose Amazing Life? |Various |Kids & Family | | | |
| 2011
|Beckett Graham and Susan Vollenweider |Women's History | | | |
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
|+ Past programming |
| scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Title ! scope="col" | Host or Starring !Genre !Co-producer !Notes ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Ref. |
|---|
| scope="row" align="center" |2018
|I, Survivor |Jenna Brister and Wagatwe Wanjuki |Society and culture | | |
| 2017
|Mark Ramsey |Film | | |{{Cite web |last=Sanchez |first=Omar |date=September 1, 2018 |title=8 Podcasts About Film History |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/8-podcasts-film-history-listen-right-now-1138086/ |access-date=November 13, 2022 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |publisher=Eldridge Industries |language=en-US}} |
| 2017
|Mark Ramsey |Film | | |
| scope="row" align="center" |2018
|Mark Ramsey |Film | | |
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{Official website|http://wondery.com}}
{{Amazon}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:American companies established in 2016
Category:Mass media companies established in 2016