MAM
HT Media’s print fades but tunes into a digital pitch for profit revival
MUMBAI: Ink may be running low, but HT Media is still turning the page on its fortunes. The publisher of Hindustan Times and Mint reported a consolidated loss of Rs 434 lakh for the quarter ended September 2025 narrowing from Rs 1,137 lakh in the previous quarter, even as the media house battles tepid ad spends and rising input costs.
Revenue from operations rose nearly seven per cent year on year to Rs 45,150 lakh in Q2 FY26, driven by a modest uptick in print and digital advertising. Total income, including other income of Rs 4,768 lakh, stood at Rs 49,918 lakh against Rs 47,928 lakh in the same quarter last year.
Expenses remained sticky at Rs 49,592 lakh, with employee costs of Rs 11,317 lakh and raw material expenses touching Rs 10,778 lakh. Finance costs stood at Rs 1,545 lakh while depreciation and amortisation came in at Rs 2,487 lakh. The group’s other expenses, covering distribution and marketing, were Rs 23,420 lakh.
At the operating level, HT Media posted an EBITDA of Rs 4,358 lakh compared to Rs 3,273 lakh a year ago showing that while ad markets remain tight, operational efficiencies are starting to show results.
For the half year ended September 2025, revenue stood at Rs 86,365 lakh, up from Rs 80,226 lakh last year, but total expenses climbed to Rs 97,554 lakh. The company posted a consolidated net loss of Rs 1,571 lakh for the half year, compared to Rs 3,392 lakh in the year-ago period.
The print and publishing segment continued to contribute the lion’s share of revenue, followed by radio and digital. The radio business, under Fever FM, faced continued pressure from muted advertising demand, while the digital vertical saw steady traction amid growing online readership.
HT Media’s total assets as of September 2025 stood at Rs 4,00,761 lakh, slightly up from Rs 3,93,289 lakh in March. The company’s equity base was Rs 2,03,666 lakh, including a non-controlling interest of Rs 38,460 lakh. Borrowings stood at Rs 68,760 lakh, reflecting the company’s cautious approach to leverage.
The silver lining? A total comprehensive loss of just Rs 64 lakh for the quarter, signalling that the group’s cost control measures and portfolio diversification are beginning to stabilise its balance sheet.
For a company that’s seen ink fade in print but pixels glow online, HT Media’s story this quarter reads less like a headline loss and more like a subplot in a longer comeback narrative.
MAM
Tata Communications CEO A S Lakshminarayanan retires
Seasoned leader hands over reins after guiding the company through key growth years.
MUMBAI: Tata Communications is turning a new page and this time, the chapter is being written by a fresh voice from the same trusted book. The company has announced the retirement of its managing director and chief executive officer, A S Lakshminarayanan, effective at the close of business on 13 April 2026. Lakshminarayanan’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter in the company’s leadership journey.
The board expressed appreciation for his contributions during his tenure, acknowledging the role he played in shaping the organisation. In January 2026, the board had already appointed Ganesh Lakshminarayanan as managing director and CEO (Designate), ensuring a smooth leadership transition.
Ganesh Lakshminarayanan brings over three decades of experience across domestic and global enterprises. He currently serves as Managing Director and Group Vice President at ServiceNow India, where he has focused on driving enterprise adoption of AI-led digital transformation and strengthening go-to-market capabilities. Prior to this, he led Bharti Airtel’s enterprise business as CEO of Airtel Business and earlier headed its Enterprise division. His career also includes roles as Chief Operating Officer at Capillary Technologies, along with advisory positions at Ernst & Young and Sequoia Capital.
The transition reflects Tata Communications’ focus on continuity while bringing in fresh perspectives to navigate the rapidly evolving digital infrastructure landscape.
In the fast-moving world of global communications, leadership changes are like well-timed signal switches necessary to keep the network strong and the journey smooth. As A S Lakshminarayanan steps down, Ganesh Lakshminarayanan steps up, ready to carry forward the legacy while steering the company into its next phase of growth.
