NEW DELHI: Months after the Coronavirus reared its ugly head and made a shambles of the economy, the news industry is slowly coming out of the woods. This is apparent from the fact that several news organisations have reversed pay cuts that were introduced with the onset of the Covid2019 pandemic. Some players have even announced appraisals for their staff, making the festive period brighter. 

Here's a look at the news media groups who signalled 'all is well' with the business through their recent actions:

1. NDTV

NDTV said on Tuesday that it ended the pay cuts of its employees with effect from October 1. The network had slashed salaries by 10-40 per cent on a graded scale based on different slabs with effect from 1 April 1 2020. Employees earning Rs 50,000 or less per month were exempt from any pay cut.

2. India Today Group

India Today Group promoted several key people within the organisation and also announced appraisals for the staff. Vice chairperson Kallie Purie said, “I am looking forward to our annual exercise that acknowledges merit and hard work. So, a big shout out to the efforts of our salesforce heroes that are making this financially viable and allowing me the privilege to declare appraisals. I have sanctioned the encashment of up to 15 days of accumulated leave for all employees. Those not eligible or those who don’t want leave encashment could choose a Diwali voucher.”

3. The Indian Express Digital

The digital arm of the Indian Express group also reversed the temporary pay cut that was announced in April for its employees. As per reports, the staff took up to 30 per cent pay cut in their monthly salaries in the wake of the pandemic. 

4. Network18

Reliance Industries Ltd, which owns and manages the Network18 Media, announced the rollback of salary cuts in October. The conglomerate also said it would be handing over performance bonuses that were deferred when businesses took a hit at the outset of the Coronavirus-fuelled lockdown. Reportedly, the group had enforced pay cuts between 10 and 50 per cent for its employees across businesses.