News Broadcasting
Govt issues advisory on coverage of Mumbai terror attack anniversary
MUMBAI: Ahead of the first anniversary of the Mumbai terror attack, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry has issued an advisory to all television channels urging them to do “balance” and “responsible” reporting while showing programmes on the incident.
The Ministry has said that as the investigation and trial of the terror attacks in Mumbai are in progress, there is need for balanced coverage.
On the occasion of the first anniversary of the terror attacks in Mumbai on 26 November 2009, the Ministry expects channels to show special programmes, news items, talk shows and interviews to highlight the incidents of last year.
“Replays of disturbing visuals showing scenes of blood and gore or images of dead or seriously wounded or the emotional distress of victims/hostages and their families may bring back dreaded memories of the tragic incident and may indirectly fulfill the basic design of the terrorists to spread fear and insecurity in the minds of people,” the advisory said.
The media has been advised to keep in mind the contents of the communication while telecasting programmes in connection with the anniversary of Mumbai terror attacks.
The government had issued directives on 27 November and 3 December last year to media, regarding the coverage of the terrorist attack, in which TV channels were asked to exercise caution while covering the incidents to avoid any adverse impact on the rescue operations.
The advisory noted that while the media has “always been in the forefront of the crusade against terrorism by building strong public opinion and consensus against the senseless acts of terrorists”, it is necessary to continue to display “a high degree of maturity and sensitivity” while covering events of terror and terror related issues.
“Perhaps the occasion could be used to reiterate India’s commitment to fight terror and our continuing resolve to effectively counter any acts of terror against the country,” the Ministry communiqué added.
News Broadcasting
Network18 Q4 revenue grows 9.7 per cent, EBITDA at Rs 30 crore
PAT improves to Rs 306.6 crore, margins steady amid cost pressures.
MUMBAI: Not all news is breaking, some of it is quietly improving. Network18 Media & Investments Limited appears to be doing just that, tightening losses and stabilising margins even as costs continue to weigh on the business. For FY26, the company reported revenue from operations of Rs 1,955.1 crore, up from Rs 1,896.2 crore in FY25, signalling modest top-line growth in a challenging media environment. Total income stood at Rs 1,978.2 crore, compared to Rs 1,913 crore a year earlier.
Profit after tax came in at Rs 306.6 crore for the year, a sharp turnaround from Rs 3,225.4 crore in FY25, largely reflecting the absence of large exceptional items that had inflated the previous year’s numbers. On a more comparable basis, the company’s operating performance showed signs of gradual stabilisation.
However, the quarterly picture remained under pressure. For the March quarter, Network18 reported a loss of Rs 53.1 crore, narrower than the Rs 98.1 crore loss in the same period last year, but still indicative of ongoing cost challenges.
Expenses continued to track high. Total expenses for FY26 stood at Rs 2,235.7 crore, up from Rs 2,197.8 crore in FY25. Key cost heads included operational expenses of Rs 765.9 crore, employee benefits of Rs 475.9 crore, and marketing, distribution and promotional spends of Rs 427.1 crore, underlining the continued investment required to sustain reach and engagement.
At an operating level, margins remained under strain. Operating margin stood at 2.33 per cent for FY26, marginally higher than 1.77 per cent in FY25, while net profit margin remained negative at -13.02 per cent, though improved from -14.89 per cent.
On the balance sheet, total assets rose to Rs 8,957.6 crore as of 31 March 2026, from Rs 8,317.5 crore a year earlier. Equity strengthened to Rs 4,958.7 crore, while borrowings increased to Rs 3,112.8 crore, reflecting a higher reliance on debt to support operations.
Cash flows told a mixed story. While financing activities generated Rs 83.9 crore, operating cash flow remained negative at Rs -24 crore, highlighting ongoing pressure on core cash generation. Cash and cash equivalents, however, improved to Rs 33.9 crore from Rs 1.8 crore.
The numbers point to a company in transition growing revenues, trimming losses, but still grappling with structural cost pressures. In a sector where scale often comes at a price, Network18 seems to be inching towards balance, one quarter at a time.
