JioStar, the newly formed media giant resulting from the Reliance-Disney merger, is set to lay off approximately 600 employees across India. This decision is part of a significant restructuring effort aimed at optimizing resources and eliminating duplicate roles following the consolidation.
The layoffs will impact employees from both Reliance and Star, as the company reorganizes its workforce. With JioStar now positioned as the country’s largest media and entertainment entity, the merger has created overlapping functions, making job cuts unavoidable.
To facilitate the transition, JioStar is collaborating with an outplacement agency to help affected employees find new opportunities. The company has assured that existing health insurance and hospitalization benefits will continue until their policy period expires.
JioStar has introduced a severance package that is considered one of the most competitive in India. Employees will receive up to 15 months of salary, with a minimum of nine months’ pay guaranteed. Those who have been employed for less than five years will be eligible for gratuity based on their tenure.
In an effort to retain talent, JioStar is looking to reassign some affected employees to other Reliance Group companies, particularly in technology-related roles. This approach aims to minimize job losses within the broader organization.
The Reliance-Disney merger, finalized in early 2024, created a dominant force in India’s media landscape. This move was designed to expand operations, reduce expenses, and strengthen the company’s presence in streaming, sports, and general entertainment. However, restructuring became necessary due to overlapping teams and functions.
Despite the current challenges, JioStar is focused on long-term sustainability and is pursuing greater efficiency and profitability in the competitive media industry.
