MAM
Stewart, NBC sign distribution agreement for new series
MUMBAI: Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. and NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution today announced a multi-year distribution agreement that will bring Stewart back to television stations in a new nationally syndicated daily series starting in 2005.
The program has been sold to NBC-owned and operated stations, covering more than 30 per cent of the nation. The joint announcement was made today by MSO president and CEO Susan Lyne and NBC Universal Television Group president Jeff Zucker.
Producer of The Apprentice and The Contender Mark Burnett, will be the executive produce of the new daily Stewart television series. In September, MSO announced that it would collaborate with Burnett on new television programming opportunities. This is the first of these programs.
The hour-long show will be taped live with a studio audience and feature a new programming format that allows audience members and special guests to participate and interact with Stewart. Viewers will learn new ways to enhance their lives as audience members and even celebrity guests help Stewart unveil great ideas and new projects — from cooking and entertaining, to decorating and home renovating, and more. The segments will be engaging, illuminating and fun, appealing to a broad audience of viewers.
“This is the first of several new initiatives at MSO that will have positive implications across the entire spectrum of our business,” Lyne said. “The new format should appeal to Martha’s loyal core audience, as well as a new generation of viewers interested in home and lifestyle. We are especially pleased to be teaming with NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution and Mark Burnett. Mark’s ideas for reshaping Martha’s show have excited everyone at MSO, and the support of NBC’s syndication arm will guarantee the program a broad national platform.”
“I have known Martha since her days on Today and am thrilled to have her back in the NBC Universal family,” said Zucker. “Martha is a proven winner across all media. The power of the brand is stronger than ever and a terrific addition to the NBC Universal Distribution portfolio. Martha is an incredibly appealing and engaging talent with an enormously loyal following. We look forward to working with Martha, Susan Lyne and Mark Burnett to bring the new program to millions of viewers next year.”
“Martha has incredible value and enduring appeal. As the arbiter of taste, Martha teaches people in a practical, helpful manner how to include style in everyday living. Our new show will build on this Emmy-award-winning formula by incorporating more interaction, accessibility, vibrancy, and most importantly, humor. Together, I know we can create a show that breaks new ground in daytime, and bring new viewers to Martha’s already strong base,” said Burnett.
“The powerful brand recognition and the promise of high-quality programming will greatly appeal to local broadcasters. The program will provide many opportunities for both national and local advertisers. We anticipate a broad and successful distribution effort,” stated NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution president Barry Wallach. “I worked with Martha in the early days of her TV career, so it is personally very rewarding to be partnering once again with Martha and her terrific team.”
Brands
Kwality Wall’s reports standalone losses following strategic HUL demerger
Ice cream major faces Rs 64 crore Ebitda loss amid commodity inflation and muted Q3 sales
MUMBAI: Kwality Wall’s (India) Limited (KWIL) has released its first set of financial results as a standalone entity, revealing a challenging start to its independent journey. Following its successful demerger from Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) on 1st December 2025 and its subsequent listing on 16th February 2026, the company is navigating a transition period marked by structural changes and high input costs.
For the quarter ended 31st December 2025, the company reported revenue of Rs 222 crores. Despite the revenue base, the bottom line was impacted by several factors, resulting in an Ebitda loss of Rs 64.2 crores. When calculated on a Pre-IND AS 116 basis, the Ebitda loss stood at Rs 83.8 crores.
Organic Sales Growth (OSG) declined by 6.5 per cent year-on-year during the quarter. Volume growth, however, saw a marginal increase of 1.2 per cent. The company reported a gross margin of 41.5 per cent. Additionally, exceptional expenses amounting to Rs 94 crores were recorded, primarily linked to non-recurring costs during the transition phase.
Performance across portfolios and channels was mixed. Within the impulse portfolio, brands such as Magnum and Cornetto recorded mid-single digit volume growth, indicating steady demand in on-the-go consumption. However, the in-home portfolio, which includes take-home packs, experienced muted consumption. The company is planning a relaunch of this category with improved offerings ahead of the 2026 season.
Quick commerce (Q-Com) continued to emerge as a strong growth driver, delivering robust double-digit growth during the quarter. Meanwhile, the company also expanded its physical distribution network by increasing the number of company-owned cabinets across markets.
Margin pressure during the quarter was driven by a combination of one-off factors and broader cost inflation. Gross margins were impacted by around 600 basis points due to trade investments made for stock liquidation. Additionally, cocoa price inflation contributed to another 400 basis points of pressure on margins.
Deputy managing director Chitrank Goel attributed the muted performance partly to prolonged monsoons and transitional challenges linked to the GST framework. Operating expenses also increased as the company invested in establishing its standalone supply chain, operational systems and corporate infrastructure following the demerger.
Looking ahead, the management remains focused on a volume-driven growth strategy. To restore profitability, the company has initiated a cost productivity programme aimed at reducing non-consumer-facing costs. It is also working on building regional manufacturing networks to optimise logistics expenses and improve operational efficiency.
The commodity outlook for the near term remains mixed. Dairy prices are expected to remain firm due to tight supply conditions and rising fodder costs. Sugar prices may also move higher following increases in the Minimum Selling Price (MSP). While cocoa prices have moderated recently, currency depreciation has offset some of the potential cost relief for the company.
