South African news channel eNCA has started a restructuring process that could affect 171 employees as the broadcaster moves to redesign its newsroom for a changing media environment.

The proposed changes come as traditional television companies face growing pressure from digital platforms, changing viewer habits and rising demand for online news content.

eNCA said its current newsroom structure was built around a traditional broadcasting model that no longer reflects how audiences consume information today.

According to the Sunday Times, 171 of eNCA’s 309 employees have been identified as potentially affected by a Section 189 consultation process expected to begin on Wednesday.

The process allows the company and employees to discuss possible job losses, alternative roles and other options before any final decisions are made.

Staff were informed that they would report to eMedia’s offices for the start of consultations. In notices signed by eNCA Managing Director Norman Munzhelele, the company said it plans to create a single newsroom that will serve its television, online and digital platforms.

Broadcaster seeks smaller, integrated newsroom

eNCA said the restructuring is aimed at building a more focused newsroom that can produce content across multiple platforms.

The company said the current structure creates duplication and does not fully support the demands of a digital-first news operation.

“Certain roles, functions and/or structures can no longer be sustained in their current form,” the company said in notices sent to employees.

The broadcaster said the proposed changes would improve workflow, allow better use of staff and technical resources, and help deliver news more efficiently across its platforms without affecting editorial standards.

Employees enter consultation process

While 171 employees have been identified as potentially affected, eNCA said no final decisions have been made.

The company said employees would have an opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed changes, selection process and possible severance arrangements.

Some employees have already been considered for alternative positions, while the renewal of certain fixed-term and freelance contracts has been suspended.

The consultation process is expected to end by the end of November, with any approved job cuts taking effect from Dec. 1.

eMedia adapts to changing media market

Employees whose roles are removed will receive severance payments equal to 1.5 weeks’ pay for every completed year of service.

However, workers who reject a reasonable alternative position offered by the company may not qualify for severance benefits.

eNCA is owned by eMedia Holdings, a South African media group that operates television, digital and entertainment platforms, including e.tv, OpenView and eVOD.

The company has been working to adjust its operations as audiences increasingly move from traditional television toward online and streaming services.

The restructuring reflects a broader challenge facing news organisations globally as they seek to balance rising operating costs with the need to invest in digital journalism and new ways of reaching audiences.