News Broadcasting
Balaji’s net profit down 3.5 %
MUMBAI: For the financial year ended 31 March, 2003, Balaji Telefilms has posted a net profit of Rs 554.08 million, down from Rs 574.14 million; a decrease of 3.50 per cent.
Speaking to indiantelevision.com, Balaji Telefilms Ltd CFO V Devarajan elucidates, “Well, this has been a flat year for the company as it has been a year of consolidation. The company this year has invested a lot of time and money in infrastructure and setting up of systems to ensure that the coming years see an increase in standards of shows and quality of programming from the Balaji stable.”
There’s been a big jump in depreciation from Rs 42.43 million in 2002-2003 to Rs 77.36 million in 2003 – 2004. The Rs 34.93 million increase is because the production house has made major investments in studios, equipments and sets. Devarajan adds, “These investments will ensure a reduction in our operating cost, as the cost of outsourcing and hiring will come down by a big margin.”
Balaji has also reported a hike in other incomes which has seen an increase of Rs 46.62 million from the previous year. The reason for the increase is a change in the investment strategy the company follows. The CFO states, “Considering all our major investments were in the debt market across various mutual funds, and the fact that the debt market was not doing well, we decided to redeem them and reinvest it in short term funds, which reaped very good returns for the company.”
Operational highlights during the year ended 31 March 2004:
-Realisation per hour from Commissioned Programming increased from Rs 1.50 mn to Rs 1.77 mn, an increase of 18 per cent.
-Investment of over Rs 91.8 million in production & post-production equipments and studios.
-Recommends final dividend of Re 1 per share (50 per cent on par value of Rs 2 per share) amounting to Rs. 51.5 million. Total Dividend for the year of Rs 3 per share (150 per cent on par value of Rs 2 per share) amounting to Rs 154.5 million.
-Cash and Cash Equivalents of Rs 770.5 million as on 31 March, 2004.
Well, some may call it sustenance, and others may call it stability, but the fact of the matter is, Balaji Telefilms for the first time has reported a negligible margin of profit. With all the new and existing players gearing up their acts, its going to be no easy play for India’s leading production house
News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 to host Fury in the Gulf conclave on West Asia crisis
Three-hour summit to unpack geopolitical fallout and impact on India
MUMBAI: CNN-News18 is set to host a special three-hour broadcast, Fury in the Gulf – War Conclave, on April 7, aiming to decode the escalating West Asia crisis and its far-reaching implications for India.
Scheduled from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, the conclave comes at a time when tensions between Iran and the United States are reshaping global geopolitics and triggering economic uncertainty. With India’s deep energy ties, trade links and large diaspora in the Gulf, the developments carry significant domestic relevance.
Built around the theme ‘Conflict, Consequences, and The Future,’ the programme will feature six curated sessions combining one-on-one interviews and panel discussions. The focus is to cut through the clutter and offer viewers a clearer understanding of the fast-evolving situation.
Key sessions include ‘Diplomacy in Times of War’ featuring Shashi Tharoor, and ‘World After the Iran Conflict’ with voices such as Ram Madhav, Reuven Azar, representatives from the European Union and the Iranian Deputy Envoy. Another session titled ‘Another Dunkirk?’ will bring together K. J. S. Dhillon and Jitin Prasada among others.
CNN-News18 editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar said, “In times of war, clarity becomes the most powerful tool. Fury in the Gulf – War Conclave brings together credible voices to address the questions and confusion that arise amid an overwhelming influx of information.”
He added that the initiative is aimed at delivering “facts, perspective, and insight” at a time when misinformation can easily cloud public understanding.
Echoing the sentiment, CNN-News18 CEO– English and business news Smriti Mehra said the conflict marks a defining global moment, with consequences that extend well beyond the region. She noted that the conclave seeks to present the crisis with “depth, nuance and responsibility” so audiences can better grasp its real-world impact.
As geopolitical tensions continue to dominate headlines, the conclave positions itself as an attempt to bring order to the noise, offering viewers a structured, insight-led look at a complex and rapidly shifting global situation.
