Sony Pictures to trim workforce by a few hundreds in strategic reset, source says

By Kritika Lamba

April 7 (Reuters) - Sony Pictures Entertainment is laying off a few hundred employees, a source familiar with the matter said on Tuesday, as the company restructures parts of its business to align with its long-term growth strategy.

The layoffs are not a cost-cutting exercise but are targeted and strategic, the source added.

The job reductions come as Hollywood studios contend with shifting audience habits, mounting pressure on traditional television businesses and a reassessment of spending after years of heavy investment in streaming.

Unlike many rivals, Sony Pictures primarily licenses content to third-party streaming platforms, giving it flexibility to partner widely rather than rely on a single in-house service.

In a letter sent internally earlier on Tuesday, Sony Pictures Chief Executive Ravi Ahuja told employees the company was reducing roles in some areas while increasing focus and investment in others, describing the changes as necessary to operate with greater speed and alignment.

"These are difficult decisions," Ahuja said in the message, adding that affected employees would be supported through the transition.

Ahuja said Sony Pictures remains well positioned despite broader industry disruption, citing the strength of its independent film and television studios, which allow it to partner widely across platforms rather than rely on a single in-house streaming service.

Media companies have increasingly streamlined operations while prioritizing franchises, global intellectual property and more flexible distribution models.

Sony Pictures is a major Hollywood studio known for franchises such as Spider-Man, Jumanji and Ghostbusters, and television shows including The Boys and Jeopardy!