News Broadcasting
NDTV’s Rs 1billion IPO to fund working cap, prepay loan
MUMBAI: Dr Prannoy Roy’s NDTV is gearing up for its first Rs 1 billion equity issue in the primary market. The news broadcaster has filed its draft red herring prospectus with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi).
Funds deployment
Funds deployment towards:
(Rs in million)
Activity
Pre-payment of loans
Working Capital
General corporate purposes
Total
FY 2005
200
200
150
550
According to the draft prospectus, the net proceeds raised from the issue would be deployed towards “working capital requirements, repayment of loans and for general corporate purposes.” Net proceeds from the sale of existing shares (5.9 million shares of face value of Rs 4 each) will be paid to the selling shareholders.
While the working capital requirement arises primarily from sundry debtors relating to credit given to advertisers, security deposits and advance income tax, the 200 million outstanding loan is part of the total outstanding term loan of Rs 300 million. The prospectus does not mention specifics about the general corporate purposes requirements.
Issue allocation
The issue is being made through the 100 per cent book building route where at least 60 per cent of the issue will be allocated on a discretionary basis to qualified institutional buyers (QIBs). At least 15 per cent of the issue will be available for allocation on a proportionate basis to non-institutional bidders and the remaining 25 per cent of the issue will be available for allocation on a proportionate basis to retail bidders.
The present shareholding pattern of the company is
Present Shareholding pattern of NDTV
Category
No of equity shares
%
Promoters
Indian Funds/MFs
FIIs
Foreign Investors
Others
Public
Total
33,306,600
10,906,065
4,892,375
2,037,025
75
–
51,142,140
65.12%
21.32%
9.57%
3.99%
0.00%
–
100.0%
NDTV’s net worth as of 31 March 2003 and nine months period ended 31 December 2003 was approximately Rs 1.199 billion and Rs 1.285 billion respectively.
For the nine months period ended 31 December 2003, the company posted a net loss of Rs 473.77 million. The book value per share of Rs 4 each, as of 31 March 2003 and nine months period ended 31 December 2003 was approximately Rs 28.52 and Rs 27.16, respectively.
Both of the above – the net worth and the book value per share as on 31 December 2003 will be lower once the Delhi High Court approves the proposed amalgamation of NDTV World Limited with NDTV, which will become effective from 1 April 2003.
As on 31 December 2003
Net worth Rs 1.285 b
Book value per share Rs 27.16
Net asset value per share Rs 67.91
EPS Rs 25.02
Returns on net worth 36.85 %
The net asset value per share as on 31 December 2003 stands at Rs 67.91 while the earnings per share (EPS) is at a negative of Rs 25.02. The returns on net worth are also at a negative 36.85 per cent.
The news broadcaster claims it had 249 advertisers on its two news channels – NDTV 24×7 and NDTV India during the nine months ended 31 December 2003.
The book running lead managers to the issue are JM Morgan Stanley Pvt Ltd, Kotak Mahindra Capital Company Ltd and ICICI Securities Ltd.
The NDTV shares would be listed on The Mumbai Stock Exchange, and the National Stock Exchange.
News Broadcasting
Kamlesh Singh receives Haldi Ghati Award from MMCF
India Today Group editor honoured for three decades of journalism at Udaipur ceremony.
MUMBAI- Kamlesh Singh just turned a lifetime of sharp words into a shiny shield because when journalism wakes up a society, even the Maharana of Mewar wants to pin a medal on it.
The Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) conferred its prestigious Haldi Ghati Award on Kamlesh Singh, a senior editor at the India Today Group, during a ceremony in Udaipur on 15 March 2026. The national award, instituted in 1981-82, recognises “work of permanent value that initiates an awakening in society through the medium of journalism.”
Singh, who leads several editorial initiatives including Aaj Tak Radio, the Teen Taal community and The Lallantop, was presented the honour by Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Managing Trustee of MMCF. The citation highlighted his three decades of contributions to Indian media, innovations in digital journalism, mentoring young reporters, and his popular podcast persona “Tau” on Teen Taal, which fosters thoughtful public discourse.
The Haldi Ghati Award, named after the historic Battle of Haldighati symbolising valour and resilience, is one of four national awards given annually by MMCF. Past recipients include Tavleen Singh, Piyush Pandey and Raj Chengappa.
Other honourees this year included Padma Vibhushan Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Vedamurti Devvrat Rekhe, Treeman of India Marimuthu Yoganathan, Vir Chakra Capt Rizwan Malik, and US-based researcher Molly Emma Aitken, who received the Colonel James Tod Award for contributions to understanding Mewar’s spirit and values.
In an era where headlines often shout louder than substance, the MMCF quietly reminded everyone that real journalism isn’t about noise, it’s about the quiet, persistent work that stirs society awake, one thoughtful story at a time.
