Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) has clarified that the latest round of job cuts reported in the media forms part of a broader restructuring plan underway since last year, and does not affect the company’s operations or performance.
The clarification comes after several media outlets reported that Zee had initiated another phase of layoffs as the broadcaster continues to realign its business following the collapse of its merger with Sony Pictures Networks India.
Zee said it has been “re-modelling and integrating its business divisions” as part of its omni-channel strategy. “The optimisation has no impact on the operation or performance of the company,” it said, adding that the exercise is aimed at building a more agile and collaborative organisation structure, Reuters reported.
Part of the earlier rationalisation plan
According to an ET report, around 200 people are understood to be affected in the latest round, a significant portion of whom are consultants rather than full-time employees. People aware of the matter told the paper that the exits are a continuation of the rationalisation programme initiated in April 2024 to streamline the company’s cost structure and align teams with revised business priorities.
Zee officials reiterated that these departures stem from the company’s previously announced plan to reduce headcount by about 15% after its merger with Sony fell through. Last year, Zee had said that roughly 700 roles would be eliminated as part of this exercise.
Industry headwinds add pressure
The workforce optimisation comes at a time when the broadcasting sector is grappling with lower advertising spends, subscriber churn and a volatile demand environment.
As per the ET report, consolidated net profit fell 63% YoY to Rs 77 crore for the quarter that ended in September 2025. Operating revenue declined 2% to Rs 1,969 crore.
Advertising revenue dropped 11% to Rs 806 crore due to continued softness in FMCG spending, while subscription revenue grew 5% to Rs 1,023 crore, supported by both linear and digital businesses, the report added.