News Broadcasting
Zee Business takes the crown: Business news channel in dominating victory
Mumbai: Zee Business Business News Channel, as confirmed by the latest data released by the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC). What makes Zee Business stand out is its proficiency in presenting business news in a manner that resonates with the common man, translating intricate financial concepts into easily understandable language for all. This prestigious recognition reaffirms Zee Business’s unparalleled dedication to its viewers and stakeholders.
In the 43 weeks 43 2023- 21 to 27 October, Zee Business secured an impressive 58.7 percent viewership share in the socioeconomic market (HSM) among audiences aged 22 and above. This outstanding achievement positioned Zee Business as India’s No. 1 Business News Channel, leaving its closest peers, CNBC Awaaz, far behind at 39.1 percent. CNBC-TV18 and ET Now trailed with 1.9 percent and 0.3 percent viewership, respectively. The above BARC data solidifies Zee Business’s unmatched leadership in delivering top-quality financial news and analysis.
Zee Business’s success can be attributed to its flagship shows that have garnered substantial viewership, such as ‘First Trade’, ‘Final Trade’, ‘News Par Views’, ‘10 Ki Kamai’, Commodity Superfast, Aapki Khabar Aapka Fayda and India 360. These news shows have become trusted sources of information for millions of viewers, reinforcing Zee Business’s reputation for providing credible financial insights and market updates. It has, in fact, consistently delivered high-quality, informative, and engaging content that resonates with a broad spectrum of viewers.
Zee Business managing editor Anil Singhvi said, “At Zee Business, we are truly honored and delighted by our achievement in securing the position of India’s No. 1 Business News Channel. We have consistently strived to provide our viewers with the most accurate, insightful, and timely financial news and analysis and this achievement only strengthens our resolve to continue doing so. This recognition reaffirms our position as a trusted source for millions of viewers who turn to us for the latest and most credible information on business and financial matters.”
Zee Business and WION CBO Madhu Soman further added “As we celebrate this significant milestone, we are also looking ahead to the future with a renewed sense of purpose. We remain committed to maintaining our position at the forefront of business news, innovating, evolving, and continuing to provide the highest quality content. Our commitment to excellence remains unwavering, and our dedication to our viewers remains our driving force. Thank you for your unwavering support, and we promise to continue serving you with the best in business news and analysis.”
The channel extended its gratitude to its viewers, advertisers, and all stakeholders for their trust and support, and also reaffirmed its commitment to delivering excellence in business news.
Zee Media Corporation Ltd, a media company, has a strong presence in the news and regional genres, with 16 news channels in seven different languages, reaching more than 528 million viewers through its linear and digital properties.
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.
