Sony Pictures Networks India Cuts 10% Workforce

Over a hundred positions have been eliminated at Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) due to a reorganisation. Approximately 10% of its employees might be impacted, according to media sources. In a challenging advertising climate, layoffs are part of a larger effort to rationalise costs.

According to the sources, the layoffs affected more than just SonyLIV, the company's digital streaming business; they affected many areas. Those in charge of distribution and channel marketing, among others, were asked to leave. Beyond that, there were VP-level employees who planned to leave by the month's end.

Layoffs were Long Planned

The layoffs come after media houses reported that 180–200 SPNI workers would be affected by the company's reorganised structure. The ultimate tally might be lower, according to certain internal estimations. Nonetheless, out of an estimated 1,200 employees, media reports indicated that the rationalisation could impact around 150 of them.

There will be severance payouts for affected employees that are tied to tenure and structured on a months-of-pay basis. When asked for a formal statement, SPNI declined to speak with the media queries. When news outlets initially reported on the possible layoffs, the broadcaster characterised the numbers as "speculative and baseless" but did not completely exclude the possibility of reorganisation.

SPNI Transforming Business Operations

A more systemic change in leadership and operating paradigm is occurring at the same time as the layoffs. The revised organisational structure of SPNI was unveiled in January. Its content clusters will have full control over all aspects of the company's programming, marketing, and on-air promotions thanks to this organisational setup, which will apply to both digital and linear platforms. Under the guidance of Chief Income Officer Rajesh Kaul and aided by a reorganised executive team, the company has streamlined its income sources across distribution, advertising, sports, and foreign operations.

Danish Khan, Business Head of SonyLIV, is planning to leave the firm by March 31, 2026, after more than twenty years with the company. This is one of several key departures and appointments that have occurred on the network in the last year. Broadcasters in India are juggling investments in digital development and stricter cost discipline in an unstable advertising market. This is causing widespread pressures in the media and entertainment industry, which has led to the restructuring.