STAR initiates restructuring process; STAR India set to see impact

News Corp has embarked on a major restructuring exercise of its broadcast business in Asia – STAR. Even as STAR officials from various markets are still immersed in discussions on how the various businesses and markets in Asia should be reorganised to be able to create an optimal structure for further growth, it is understood that the restructuring process would have an impact on STAR India too.

It is expected that many positions would become redundant in this streamlining, and that this would lead to a significant churn in the region. Sources close to the situation, however, informed that STAR India was not likely to feel this part of the heat. Since the restructuring details are still being worked out, how significant the impact would be, cannot be said yet.

On the one hand, STAR is reviewing the current structure and streamlining that. At the same time, the very fundamental of the business is being revisited to examine whether any changes at that level would give the business a fresh boost.

The discussions are focussing on how STAR’s markets, such as India, China and Taiwan, should be treated, given the importance of these markets for the company. While there always have been distinction between the STAR brands and Fox brands in India, the conversations at present are also examining how the two businesses can align strengths and similar natured businesses, further streamlining the operations.

One of the first moves in the reorganising process was seen earlier in the week when STAR announced the exit of its Chief Operating Officer Laureen Ong, who would be stepping down mid-August. Upon Ong’s departure, the operational units under Ong will report directly to Paul Aiello, Chief Executive Officer of STAR.

Sources from the company informed that further clarity on this was expected in the next week or so.