The Times of India* group has created a new policy where its journalists’ paychecks will be dependent on whether or not they join specialised WhatsApp groups to share breaking news updates. The emails, of which MediaNama has copies, detail that all journalists must file, every week, at least three WhatsApp alerts, three “online-first” stories and minimum three tweets per working day. Not complying with the policy will result in journalists getting a reduced target variable pay (TVP). MediaNama has confirmed this from multiple Times Group employees; one of the emails was sent by Bodhisatva Ganguli on 6 November 2015. Our emails to Times Internet CEO Satyan Gajwani, requesting comments and a response to certain questions, haven't received a response yet, despite a couple of reminders. We'll update in case we get a response. Alerts will go to the online desk: The email adds that the Whatsapp alerts will be factored into the TVP (target variable pay) computation, while another email states that the group’s efforts, which were entirely focused on the print edition previously, have now been directed to its online edition and now expects greater coordination from its employees. Breaking news alerts will be sent to the online team, which will use it for breaking news tickers (on TV), app notifications, tweets and “for subsequent scaling up of stories”. Effective from 15 October 2015, the changes in TVP will be based on “online contributions, ET view and Error Score”, while meeting LPR is a “prerequisite” to get TVP payout. Breaking news alerts…
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