WhatsApp message about layoffs at India Today Group is fake
A piece of misinformation was spread this week on the messaging app WhatsApp. A malicious message that talked about layoffs in the media industry was circulated across various WhatsApp groups.
The barrage of fake news, which is a problem even in the best of times, has just exacerbated during the current coronavirus pandemic. Social media has been flooded with mischievous rumors spread by a motivated section.
One such piece of misinformation was spread this week on the messaging app WhatsApp. A malicious message that talked about layoffs in the media industry was circulated across various WhatsApp groups.
Here’s what the message said:
Media Updates
1. Indian Express and Business Standard have asked staff to take salary cuts; 2. Outlook has stopped print publication. 3. News Nation terminated 16 English digital employees; 4. TOI sacked the entire Sunday mag team 5. About half of the Quint team has been asked to go on leave without pay; 6. India Today has prepared a list of 46 reporters, 6 cameramen and 17 producers who are being removed due to losses right away.
INDIA TODAY GROUP RESPONDS
The India Today Group cannot comment on other organizations but the part mentioning the India Today Group [in the message above] is FAKE. The Group would like you to strongly reject it and tell anyone who is asking about this message that it is malafide.
This kind of rumour mongering is done by ill-intentioned people trying to destabilize the fine work being done by the India Today Group in these challenging times. The Group’s coverage of the coronavirus pandemic is top-notch and ratings are applause-worthy.
The Group is tremendously proud of its people and thanks them.
In an email to all its staff, the Group has strongly dismissed the WhatsApp message. The Group has also issued a rebuttal on its social media.
