According to a regulatory filing by Network18 Media, a subsidiary of billionaire Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries Ltd, the company posted a net loss of Rs 29.09 crore in the January-March quarter a year ago.
In the March quarter, its consolidated income from operations rose 9.7 percent to Rs. 615.78 crore as compared to Rs. 561.32 crores.
Network18 Media & Investments said in its earnings statement that consolidated operating income rose 9.7 percent for the quarter.
Advertising inventory demand for the TV news industry fell 10 percent year over year, but Network18’s inventory grew 4.5 percent, helping the company outperform the industry.
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“The company’s diversified portfolio, strong market position across markets and revenue from new businesses helped mitigate the impact of the weak advertising environment,” it said.
EBITDA for the quarter with a margin of 4.9 percent stood at Rs. 30 crore, he added.
Its total expenditure increased by 6.47 percent in the March quarter to Rs. 670.89 crores.
Network18 Media’s total consolidated revenue, which includes other income, grew by 9.14 percent in Q4 FY26 to Rs. 616.21 crores.
On a standalone basis, Network18’s loss widened to Rs. 72.51 crores, while in the same quarter of last financial year Rs. 69.48 crore was a loss. Operating income in the March quarter rose 4.85 percent year-on-year to Rs. 547.07 crores.
Network18 Media & Investments’ profit for the entire FY26 was Rs. 155.20 crores. Consolidated revenue for the financial year ended March 31, 2026 was Rs. 2,148.46 crores.
“Excluding the first quarter, which saw revenue decline due to a higher base of election-related advertising in the prior fiscal year, revenue increased 7 percent. Operating expenses increased in line with revenue, resulting in flat EBITDA.”
According to the company, its “prior year corresponding figures are not comparable” as Indiacast Media Distribution and Studio 18 Media (formerly Viacom 18) ceased to be subsidiaries of the company on November 14, 2024 and December 30, 2024 respectively.
Network18 is India’s leading TV news network, with a portfolio of 20 channels (including 14 regional channels) and the largest in terms of reach and viewership.
“The network reached over 2,305 million people per month, 35 per cent more than the nearest competitor and had an all-India viewership share of 13.8 per cent,” it said.
It also leads the digital segment with its platforms – MoneyControl, News18, FirstPost and CNBCTV18. It has 360 million monthly users, representing 65 percent reach in the segment, Network18 said.
Commenting on the results, Chairman Adil Jainulbhai said: “Despite the world currently engulfed in geopolitical crisis, we ended the year on a positive note. In a year marked by high news flow volumes, our network has consistently led the way in delivering news on voice. We are happy with the progress we have made on the business front in a short period of time and have made impressive short term progress on the business front during the new year. Helping diversify our revenue base.”
The company is focused on strengthening its core news business even as it expands presence in adjacent categories, he added.
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