Sony Pictures Networks India Layoffs: Symptom of Deeper Strategic Issues?

• Culver Max Entertainment (formerly SPNI) is reducing its workforce by 10%, impacting around 120 staff, as part of a cost-rationalisation exercise.
• The layoffs follow an internal audit by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) of Culver Max’s linear TV and digital operations, including SonyLIV.
• Industry experts argue that these layoffs are unlikely to fix long-standing strategic and creative issues, calling it a "positioning problem" rather than a "people problem."
• Concerns include Sony TV India's risk-averse programming, reliance on old reality franchises, and SonyLIV's struggle to scale despite early-mover advantage.
• Analysts suggest that while cost control is necessary, true leadership in entertainment comes from ideas and innovation, not just efficiency measures.

Why It Matters: Sony's layoffs highlight deeper strategic and creative challenges, requiring more than just cost-cutting for long-term growth.