According to the company, the layoffs of about 50 people, including consultants and full-time staff, were “performance-based.” Pocket FM is a well-known audio entertainment platform. The business maintains that it is still in a growing phase and that it intends to add additional employees to help with its expansion in spite of these layoffs. Concern and debate within the workforce have been generated by the layoffs; some claim that the numbers are far higher than those officially announced, especially when contractors and freelancers are taken into account.
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Credits: Indian Startup News
Layoffs Across the Board: Writers, Editors, and Production Teams Affected
In an official statement, a spokesperson for Pocket FM confirmed the decision to part ways with 50 employees globally, citing performance issues and the need to align with its current show pipeline. The company, which produces content across a variety of genres for millions of listeners, noted that layoffs occurred across multiple business functions, including roles in writing, editing, production, and creative teams.
“Except for the growth managers, the company has fired writers, editors, production people, and creatives,” said one former employee, a mid-senior-level worker who had been with the company since its inception. This individual expressed disappointment over the lack of communication and prior notice from management before the termination.
The cuts come just months after the company had previously laid off several writers working on U.S.-based shows. While the official number of layoffs stands at 50, insiders claim the actual figure, including consultants and contractors, could be much higher.
The Role of Freelancers and Contract Workers
A significant portion of Pocket FM’s workforce comprises freelancers and contract workers, a common practice in the media and content industries. These contractors are typically engaged on a project basis, and their numbers fluctuate depending on the production demands of the platform’s shows.
Addressing the termination of consultants and freelancers, the company emphasized that these workers often collaborate with multiple content studios and platforms. “These contractors, often freelancers, work with multiple content studios, platforms, and peers across the industry. It’s important to note that the number of contract personnel fluctuates regularly, based on the completion or initiation of specific projects,” the spokesperson said.
The platform’s reliance on freelancers is not unusual in the content creation space. However, this flexible arrangement has left many feeling uncertain about job security. One full-time employee, who has been with the company for over a year, voiced concerns about their future, stating they feel “scared” as the threat of termination looms large.
Growth and Expansion: A Contradiction in Motion?
Despite these layoffs, Pocket FM maintains that it is still in a phase of “strong growth” and is actively expanding. In fact, the company has raised $103 million in its Series D funding round this year, the largest in its history. With new funding in hand, the platform is gearing up for another fundraising round to support its ongoing growth and global expansion efforts.
Pocket FM claims that, while it has parted ways with some employees, it is also accelerating hiring across multiple regions. “Despite these developments, we remain in a phase of strong growth with robust revenue signals. In line with this, we are accelerating our hiring efforts across multiple regions to support our continued expansion,” the spokesperson added.
Credits: The Financial Express
This dual narrative—of layoffs on one hand and aggressive hiring on the other—has raised eyebrows among both current and former employees. Some of those who were let go have accused the company of making these cuts to appease potential investors. “It seems like this was done to make the company look leaner and more efficient in front of investors,” said one former employee.
Employee Backlash and Allegations
The layoffs have not been without controversy. Several former employees have disputed the official number of 50 layoffs, alleging that the figure would be much higher if the large segment of consultants was included. The same former employee who worked at Pocket FM since its inception mentioned that no apology or acknowledgment was offered by top management despite their years of service.
The company has strongly denied these allegations, dismissing them as unfounded. “We are aware of certain unfounded allegations that have surfaced recently. As we previously mentioned, these claims are malicious and lack basis,” the spokesperson stated.
