Bob Carrigan: Celebs Rumors

Brad Schwartz is leaving his post as president of Pop TV to head content at audio company Audible. As chief content officer at Amazon-owned Audible, Schwartz will bring his two decades of television experience to the task of expanding the company's focus from its roots in audiobooks into original audio storytelling.

New, full-cast audio productions of all seven original Harry Potter books will be released on Audible beginning late next year, offering for the first time the full range of character voices, real-world sounds and musical scoring for the recorded stories.

Todd Spangler NY Digital Editor Audible, the Amazon-owned audiobook and podcast division, laid off about 5% of its employees, representing just over 100 staffers. The cutbacks come as other Amazon groups — including Prime Video, Amazon MGM Studios and Twitch — this week are pink-slipping several hundred workers. Audible CEO Bob Carrigan informed employees of the cuts in an audio memo Thursday.

Todd Spangler NY Digital Editor Audible announced Rachel Ghiazza has been appointed chief content officer, effective immediately. The four-year veteran of the audiobook and podcast platform most recently served as EVP and head of U.S. content. In the expanded role at Audible, Ghiazza will oversee all aspects of content including development, production, operations and business affairs, as well as talent, publisher and partner relations. She will lead the continued globalization of Audible originals as well as grow the company’s library of podcasts and audiobooks. Ghiazza will continue to report to CEO Bob Carrigan. Ghiazza joined Audible in April 2019 as senior vice president of content acquisition and development and was named head of U.S. content in 2020. Prior to Audible, she spent more than five years at Spotify, where she held a variety of roles including leading the global content experiences team. Ghiazza also held senior roles on content teams at Viacom and Yahoo.

Dade Hayes Finance EditorAmazon-owned Audible is continuing its effort to boost its entertainment quotient, hiring former PopTV president Brad Schwartz as chief content officer.He will start June 15 and report to CEO Bob Carrigan, who joined Audible last December.In addition to running Pop, the ViacomCBS cable network known for Schitt’s Creek, Schwartz also has held executive posts at MSG Media and Bell Media.

Elaine Low Senior TV WriterPop TV president Brad Schwartz is departing the land of cable television to join Audible, Amazon’s audiobook and audio entertainment company, as its chief content officer on June 15.“As Audible continues to expand its focus on premium audio storytelling and entertainment across all formats and genres, Brad’s highly successful track record, expertise and stellar relationships in the entertainment community will be integral to our aggressive content efforts and plans,” said Audible CEO Bob Carrigan in a statement. “Brad brings not only a wealth of experience but an unwavering focus on innovation, creativity and customer delight.