Staffing shake-up at Zee Media: Layoffs expected amidst radical restructuring
The media group is poised to undergo significant transformations, with several measures already underway
Amidst the backdrop of global layoffs plaguing various industries, Zee Media emerges as the latest entity gearing up for substantial structural reforms. Reliable sources within the organization reveal that Zee Media is poised to undergo significant transformations, with several measures already underway.
In a bid to streamline operations and trim costs, the company is reportedly set to implement workforce reductions, targeting a substantial 20 percent reduction in staff. Preliminary steps in this direction have already seen numerous employees being served notices to depart.
Among those asked to leave are notable figures from the reporting domain, including Pooja Makkar, Amit Bhardwaj, and Brahmprakash Dubey from 'Zee News'. Makkar, a stalwart with over 15 years of service, had been an integral part of the team since 2008, initially as a reporter before being promoted to the Delhi Bureau, where she helmed the Health Beat and Political Bureau. Bhardwaj, serving as Chief Special Correspondent overseeing Special Investigations, and Dubey, a seasoned reporter, have also been affected by the decision.
Additionally, Neeraj Pandey's name from the desk is rumored to be among those affected, with further reports indicating departures from the bureau. While specific details regarding their designations remain undisclosed, it's evident that teams with the highest productivity have borne the brunt of the layoffs.
Furthermore, Zee Media's English channel, 'WION', has not been immune to the restructuring, with reports of layoffs circulating within its ranks. Notably, the digital team has been spared from the retrenchment for the time being, with assurances that no terminations have occurred within this division as yet.
Despite the brewing unrest, employees remain reticent to comment openly on the unfolding developments. Questions regarding the veracity of these reports and the extent of the organization's restructuring efforts remain unanswered, as attempts to elicit a response from Zee Media's management have yielded no replies at the time of reporting.
As the situation continues to evolve, uncertainty looms over the fate of employees and the company's strategic direction, underscoring a tumultuous period for Zee Media amidst its quest for operational optimization.
