THE DELHI UNION OF JOURNALISTS(DUJ) SEVERELY CONDEMNS THE ARBITRARY MASS RETRENCHMENT OF OVER 120 STAFFERS OF THE INDIA TODAY GROUP BETWEEN JULY 20-24, 2026.
Face2News/New Delhi
No reasons were given to the sacked staff of the TV Today Network. Individuals were simply called by the HR Department and told they had been terminated. Even those who had worked for the group for over a decade were simply told to leave. They were given the ‘choice’ of signing a prepared resignation letter and taking a cheque of two months’ full salary or be officially terminated and get two months’ basic wages. They were told to immediately return their laptops and ID cards and leave the office building in NOIDA. According to reports most of the staff were working for the Aajtak website and Aajtak Radio besides technical staff working on video, graphics and camera operations.
DUJ notes that under the New Labour Codes that have replaced 29 labour laws including the Working Journalists’ Act of 1955 firing employees has become easier and they have limited recourse. The lack of unionization in the TV industry also makes employees extremely vulnerable.
Over the past decade the corporate owners of the channels have benefitted hugely from advertising revenues, particularly largesse from government coffers. However, their strident support of the ruling party and government, flouting all norms of journalistic objectivity, has led to a fall in their popularity and ratings. Audiences are switching to social media for news and views and advertisers are following them. The TV Today group has experienced a fall in revenue in the past financial year. However the TV Today Network’s balance sheet reveal that they had capital reserves of Rs 861 crore in March 2026, besides tangible assets including properties.
Despite its comfortable reserves the group has chosen to sacrifice its loyal employees and reportedly plans to fire more people. The DUJ denounces such hire and fire practices. It appeals to all TV employees to unionise and resist such tactics that deprive people of their livelihoods.
DUJ appeals to the retrenched workers to fight for their rights. DUJ is ready to provide any legal assistance to the affected workers. The statement issued by Sujata Madhok – President, S.K. Pande – Vice President, A.M. Jigeesh – General Secretary
National
Trending