Singapore’s national media network Mediacorp has announced a retrenchment exercise that will affect 93 employees, or slightly more than 3 per cent of its total workforce. The move, revealed on September 1, 2025, is part of the company’s strategy to adapt to a rapidly evolving media environment and to strengthen long-term organisational sustainability.
In a press statement, Mediacorp explained that the layoffs are an organisation-wide exercise, rather than being limited to specific departments. The decision, while difficult, comes after years of implementing cost-saving measures and process improvements to preserve jobs.
Timeline and Support for Affected Staff
Employees impacted by the retrenchment have until the end of September to apply for alternative positions within Mediacorp. If no placement is secured by that time, their final day of employment will be September 30.
To support affected workers, Mediacorp has committed to the following:
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Severance packages: One month of salary per year of service, capped at 25 months or S$250,000, depending on seniority, current salary, and length of service.
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Training grants: Financial support for upskilling and reskilling to prepare for new career opportunities.
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Career services: Partnership with the NTUC’s Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) to provide job-matching services, coaching, and employability guidance.
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Wellbeing support: Access to Mediacorp’s internal wellbeing programme for up to one year after departure.
Affected employees will also be supported by the Singapore Union of Broadcasting Employees (SUBE).
CEO Acknowledges Difficult Decision
Mediacorp’s CEO Tham Loke Kheng emphasised that the retrenchment was not taken lightly.
“This is a difficult decision and one not taken lightly,” she said. “We are deeply grateful to our colleagues for their contributions. Our priority at this point is to ensure that those affected are supported with care, humility, and dignity during this transition.”
The CEO noted that while Mediacorp has made “careful trade-offs” in recent years to preserve roles, the scale and speed of industry transformation now requires further adjustments, including workforce reduction.
Challenges Facing the Media Industry
The retrenchment reflects larger shifts in the media and broadcasting industry. In recent years, the sector has undergone fundamental transformation driven by:
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The rise of short-form, mobile-first, and social-driven formats, which dominate content consumption.
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Declining engagement with traditional long-form programming, putting pressure on legacy platforms to stay competitive.
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Growing advertiser demand for performance-driven, platform-native campaigns, requiring more agility and cross-platform strategies.
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Economic headwinds, including inflation, global trade disruptions, and market volatility, which have impacted revenue streams across the industry.
Mediacorp stated that it has already been reallocating resources toward content formats and platforms with stronger growth opportunities, while also investing in new creative capabilities and expanding access to emerging talent.
Role of Unions and Employment Support
The Singapore Union of Broadcasting Employees (SUBE) confirmed that it was informed in advance of the retrenchment exercise. In its statement, the union pledged to continue working closely with Mediacorp management to support affected workers and explore redeployment where possible.
Desmond Choo, SUBE advisor and NTUC’s deputy secretary-general, said that the support from unions and job fairs organised with Mediacorp and e2i will play a vital role in helping workers transition to new roles.
He added, “The media industry is undergoing significant changes, driven by technological advancements and evolving audience content habits. SUBE is committed to standing alongside our members during this transition.”
Additional Government and Union Support Schemes
Affected employees who are Singapore citizens may also qualify for support through the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme, which provides temporary financial assistance of up to S$6,000 over six months for those who are involuntarily unemployed.
Additionally, union members can tap into the Union Training Assistance Programme (UTAP) to subsidise training course fees if they wish to pursue skills upgrading. SUBE has also indicated that financial assistance programmes will be made available to members experiencing hardship during this period.
Looking Ahead: Mediacorp’s Commitment to Transformation
Despite the retrenchment, Mediacorp reiterated its commitment to its role as Singapore’s national media network. The company said that these changes are designed to ensure long-term sustainability and to continue delivering meaningful, high-quality content to audiences across multiple platforms.
By streamlining its operations and investing in digital-first strategies, Mediacorp aims to strengthen its ability to meet evolving consumer preferences while remaining competitive in a challenging media environment.
Conclusion
The retrenchment of 93 employees at Mediacorp highlights the rapid transformation of the media industry and the challenges faced by traditional broadcasters worldwide. While the decision has been described as painful but necessary, the company, unions, and government agencies have pledged to provide affected workers with financial, career, and emotional support during this period of transition.
As media consumption habits continue to shift, Mediacorp’s restructuring underscores the need for adaptability, innovation, and investment in emerging formats to stay relevant in a competitive and uncertain landscape.
