We are forced to take unprecedented steps: Aroon Purie to staff

Yet another media conglomerate has had to take some drastic steps amid the current situation. The India Today Group is set to introduce salary cuts across the board, reduce its staff and also shut down some of its publications, editorial and business initiatives in order to make all of its magazines viable. It may be noted here, that even as several publications had to cease their operations during the lockdown period, India Today Group

In the last 2-3 months we have been seeing the widespread impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic on people’s lives, businesses and the world economy. In a bid to fight out these unprecedented times, businesses have had to adapt to new circumstances and adopt new strategies.

In an internal mail, Aroon Purie, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief, India Today Group, wrote about adjusting cost structures “to the new ground reality”, “adapt to new circumstances” and taking “difficult decisions”.

The complete text of Aroon Purie’s email:

“I remain optimistic about our future, but the cost structures have to be adjusted to the new ground reality. Smart organisations, even empires, adapt to new circumstances. Otherwise, they end up in the dustbin of history. We need to do this to continue to provide quality journalism on a sustainable basis. I would also like to mention here that we had already taken steps to make Business Today future-ready by making it a digital-first publication while continuing to bring out a fine magazine that remains the leader in its genre. The Lifestyle publications have done a tremendous job of addressing the new reality and have been producing digital-only editions.

Regrettably, as the current situation unfolds, we are forced to take unprecedented steps to make all our magazines viable. Some publications, editorial and business initiatives will cease. Accordingly, we would be reducing our staff strength. Those we have to part ways with will be informed individually. Further, starting this month, there will be a reduction in staff salaries across the board with senior members of our team taking the biggest cuts. Our HR department will communicate to each person their revised compensation terms.

I do hope you understand the circumstances that have made us take these difficult decisions. I acknowledge the valuable contribution of those who have to go. I look forward to your understanding and support.”