News Broadcasting
Media & entertainment sector struggles with vice-like grip of layoffs
Mumbai: Two months into 2024, and the bloodletting in the corporate world continues. A large media and entertainment conglomerate – which failed in its strategic partnership – is believed to be lopping off more than 10 per cent of its work orce in India and overseas. It has already laid off around five to six per cent and more job losses are around the corner.
Another large broadcaster – which is a leader in its genre – has issued pink slips to again about 10 per cent of its staff.
An international news broadcaster that had a run-in with the Indian government has bid ta-ta to the heads of its distribution and ad sales team. Indian news channels too have stricken off the names on their attendance rosters, as they struggle to gain profitability.
“More companies are likely to follow suit as advertisers realign their spends around live sport – especially cricket, both women’s and men’s,” says a media observer. “But all the major players in live sport seem to be finding it tough with advertisers squeezing them for extra inventory, resulting in yields per spot becoming much lower than last year.”
With poaching becoming rampant between broadcasters, more often than not, departees are not being replaced, leaving positions vacant, asking those who stay to double up their jobs for those being asked to go.
The national elections seem to be the only other saving grace for the limping media and entertainment sector – especially news channels.” It is going to be a bonanza,” said a news channel CEO. “But what about after elections, it’s back to the slowdown again?” he questions.
Production houses too have seen the writing on the wall, and have trimmed their rosters. Pointed out a media analyst: “TV and OTT shows budgets have shrunk and those that don’t work are not getting renewals for another season or are being put to the sword. Production houses work with a lot of freelancers – on creative, production, etc – who are hired for projects. Only core creative and production teams are retained. However, some of them have taken proactive steps and have laid off even the core teams and are focusing on show development.”
What’s also dragging down the media and entertainment sector, is the impact that the US writers and actors strike has had on India’s earlier buzzing with activity VFX and animation space. The six month halt has sent the Indian animation and VFX sector into a tumble with projects being delayed and work slowing down. Most studios – in India and overseas – have streamlined their operations, laying off close to 15,000 professionals over the past few months.
“Jobs are tough to come by,” said the CEO of an international job-reliant studio. “We hope to see some green shoots later this year and more work come our way. Until then, it is belt-tightening time.”
Observers say the sector has not seen the last of the headcount cutting. More bloodshed is on the way.
On the other hand, the layoffs are spurring professionals to start up new ventures – either individually or by roping in like-minded talent to do so. Yes, venture capitalists and private equity firms are not freely disbursing investments to all and sundry in the start up but those that are getting financing are putting their heads to the plough to make their initiatives successful.
News Broadcasting
Kamlesh Singh receives Haldi Ghati Award from MMCF
India Today Group editor honoured for three decades of journalism at Udaipur ceremony.
MUMBAI- Kamlesh Singh just turned a lifetime of sharp words into a shiny shield because when journalism wakes up a society, even the Maharana of Mewar wants to pin a medal on it.
The Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) conferred its prestigious Haldi Ghati Award on Kamlesh Singh, a senior editor at the India Today Group, during a ceremony in Udaipur on 15 March 2026. The national award, instituted in 1981-82, recognises “work of permanent value that initiates an awakening in society through the medium of journalism.”
Singh, who leads several editorial initiatives including Aaj Tak Radio, the Teen Taal community and The Lallantop, was presented the honour by Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Managing Trustee of MMCF. The citation highlighted his three decades of contributions to Indian media, innovations in digital journalism, mentoring young reporters, and his popular podcast persona “Tau” on Teen Taal, which fosters thoughtful public discourse.
The Haldi Ghati Award, named after the historic Battle of Haldighati symbolising valour and resilience, is one of four national awards given annually by MMCF. Past recipients include Tavleen Singh, Piyush Pandey and Raj Chengappa.
Other honourees this year included Padma Vibhushan Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Vedamurti Devvrat Rekhe, Treeman of India Marimuthu Yoganathan, Vir Chakra Capt Rizwan Malik, and US-based researcher Molly Emma Aitken, who received the Colonel James Tod Award for contributions to understanding Mewar’s spirit and values.
In an era where headlines often shout louder than substance, the MMCF quietly reminded everyone that real journalism isn’t about noise, it’s about the quiet, persistent work that stirs society awake, one thoughtful story at a time.
