According to a report in Variety, streaming audio giant Spotify has laid off roughly 5% of its podcast division as the platform continues its transition into a video outlet for podcasting. Furthermore, the report states that 15 total employees were among the cuts, affecting both Spotify Studios and Bill Simmons’ The Ringer outlet.
Although the official names of those let go have not been released, several individuals have posted to social media regarding the news. For instance, Claire McNear, who joined The Ringer nine years ago, posted to X to share news of her departure.
“Time for an unfortunate media rite of passage,” tweeted McNear. “After nine years at The Ringer, I was laid off this week. I’m gutted to leave, but grateful for my time there, the many wonderful folks I worked with ovr the years, and the stories I got to tell.”
McNear covered sports and culture for The Ringer out of her Washington, D.C. home. She can be reached here.
In addition, another name surfacing in the layoffs is Jonathan Kermah, who produced and wrote for podcasts on The Ringer podcast network. He also announced his departure on X yesterday.
“It hurts me to say that yesterday I was laid off from The Ringer after five years with the company,” tweeted Kermah. “At 21 years old, I was blessed with the opportunity to be an intern at my favorite website in the world doing work that I love.”
Spotify purchased The Ringer for nearly $250 million back in 2020 and more recently signed Simmons to a multi-year extension in March. As part of his new agreement with Spotify, Simmons will continue to host The Bill Simmons Podcast while also maintaining his role as the head of talk strategy.
Earlier this year, a report by Bloomberg suggested there was speculation Simmons might consider leaving once his current agreement expired. However, thanks to his strong push to add new programs to the platform and expand into more video content, the company ultimately decided to extend his contract.
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