Mumbai: Zee Entertainment has asked several employees to leave as part of an ongoing restructuring exercise that began last year, according to people aware of the matter.
Sources said the latest round of downsizing is a continuation of the rationalisation programme initiated in April 2024 to streamline operations and align the organisation with updated business priorities following the collapse of the merger deal with Sony Pictures Networks India.
Around 200 people are understood to be affected, with a significant portion comprising consultants rather than full-time staff.
"As part of its omni-channel approach, the company has been re-modelling and integrating its business divisions to create a more agile and collaborative organisation structure. The exercise is a part of the consistent and strategic efforts being taken to ensure a sharper focus on goals and performance," a company spokesperson said.
Company officials said that the latest exits are linked to the company's previously announced plan to reduce headcount by about 15% after its merger with Sony fell through.
The move comes at a time when broadcasters are struggling with falling advertising and subscription revenues amid subscriber churn and ad slowdown. Companies across the sector are cutting costs to protect profitability.
Last year, Zee had announced that it would lay off about 15% of its staff, numbering around 700 people, following the collapse of its merger deal with Sony Pictures Networks India.
The company had assured investors that it aimed to achieve Ebidta of 20% by FY26.
Zee Entertainment Enterprises reported a 63% year-on-year decline in consolidated net profit to '77 crore for the quarter ended September 2025, as higher expenses and lower revenue weighed on margins.
Operating revenue fell 2% year-on-year to '1,969 crore, reflecting a weak advertising market. Advertising revenue declined 11% to '806 crore due to continued softness in FMCG spending, while subscription revenue rose 5% to '1,023 crore, supported by growth in both linear and digital businesses.
This comes against the backdrop of chief executive officer Punit Goenka's comment during the July 31, 2024 earnings call that "the largest part of the rationalisation in terms of people has already happened," and that the company would continue to maintain an optimal cost structure aligned with evolving business needs.
Sources said the latest round of downsizing is a continuation of the rationalisation programme initiated in April 2024 to streamline operations and align the organisation with updated business priorities following the collapse of the merger deal with Sony Pictures Networks India.
Around 200 people are understood to be affected, with a significant portion comprising consultants rather than full-time staff.
"As part of its omni-channel approach, the company has been re-modelling and integrating its business divisions to create a more agile and collaborative organisation structure. The exercise is a part of the consistent and strategic efforts being taken to ensure a sharper focus on goals and performance," a company spokesperson said.
Company officials said that the latest exits are linked to the company's previously announced plan to reduce headcount by about 15% after its merger with Sony fell through.
The move comes at a time when broadcasters are struggling with falling advertising and subscription revenues amid subscriber churn and ad slowdown. Companies across the sector are cutting costs to protect profitability.
Last year, Zee had announced that it would lay off about 15% of its staff, numbering around 700 people, following the collapse of its merger deal with Sony Pictures Networks India.
The company had assured investors that it aimed to achieve Ebidta of 20% by FY26.
Zee Entertainment Enterprises reported a 63% year-on-year decline in consolidated net profit to '77 crore for the quarter ended September 2025, as higher expenses and lower revenue weighed on margins.
Operating revenue fell 2% year-on-year to '1,969 crore, reflecting a weak advertising market. Advertising revenue declined 11% to '806 crore due to continued softness in FMCG spending, while subscription revenue rose 5% to '1,023 crore, supported by growth in both linear and digital businesses.
This comes against the backdrop of chief executive officer Punit Goenka's comment during the July 31, 2024 earnings call that "the largest part of the rationalisation in terms of people has already happened," and that the company would continue to maintain an optimal cost structure aligned with evolving business needs.
