News Broadcasting
Network18 reports Q2 FY25 loss amidst amalgamation challenges
Mumbai: Network18 Media & Investments Ltd. unveiled its unaudited financial results for Q2 FY25, ending 30 September 2024, demonstrating the challenges of restructuring amidst an evolving media landscape. Despite achieving revenue growth, the company continues to grapple with profitability issues, exacerbated by higher operational costs and finance expenses.
The media conglomerate, which operates major brands like Viacom18 and Moneycontrol, reported a consolidated loss of Rs 15,231 lakh for the quarter, a slight improvement from a Rs 19,536 lakh loss in the previous quarter. Revenues from operations rose to Rs 1,82,518 lakh, marking an 8.7 per cent year-over-year increase compared to Rs 1,68,050 lakh in Q2 FY24. The improvement in top-line growth was driven by higher sales and services, reflecting sustained efforts in content monetisation and digital engagement.
Network18’s recent amalgamation of subsidiaries, including TV18 Broadcast Ltd. and e-Eighteen.Com Ltd., effective 3 October 2024, added to the quarter’s complexities. The merger was intended to streamline operations and reduce redundancies, but the restructuring costs and integration challenges contributed to the continuing financial strain. As of 30 September 2024, the company’s total equity declined to Rs 14,70,809 lakh from Rs 14,91,281 lakh as of 31 March 2024, reflecting the capital impact of ongoing restructuring efforts.
Group chief financial officer Ramesh Kumar Damani acknowledged the situation, stating, “The amalgamation is a crucial step towards creating a more cohesive media ecosystem, enabling us to optimise our resources and unlock synergies. However, we are navigating through short-term challenges, particularly in cost rationalisation and revenue stabilisation.”
The company saw its operational costs soar to Rs 1,06,718 lakh, a significant rise compared to Rs 96,143 lakh in the same quarter last year, driven by increased content production and distribution expenditures. Additionally, finance costs surged to Rs 17,001 lakh, compared to Rs 6,616 lakh in Q2 FY24, following a rise in borrowing to support expansion and restructuring.
Consequently, Network18’s operating margin contracted to -7.86 per cent, underscoring the challenges in achieving cost efficiency despite revenue growth. The debt-equity ratio climbed to 0.58, indicating elevated leverage compared to 0.49 in the previous quarter.
Despite the quarterly loss, Network18 remains committed to long-term growth. The company is ramping up digital investments, focusing on expanding its streaming services and enhancing content quality across platforms to capitalise on the increasing demand for digital media consumption. The integration of the subsidiaries is also expected to drive future efficiencies and cost savings, although the benefits may take time to materialise.
Damani added, “While the financial results reflect our restructuring phase, we are optimistic about the underlying growth potential. We are enhancing our digital-first strategy and increasing our investments in innovative content to capture the evolving viewer preferences.”
News Broadcasting
TV9 to host What India Thinks Today Summit 2026 in Delhi
PM Narendra Modi to keynote two day forum on India and the world
NEW DELHI: TV9 Network is gearing up to host the fourth edition of its flagship What India Thinks Today Summit 2026 on March 23 and 24 in the national capital, bringing together a wide spectrum of voices to debate India’s place in a shifting global order.
The summit will open with a keynote address by Narendra Modi, setting the tone for this year’s theme, “India and the world”, as the country positions itself at the crossroads of economic growth, geopolitical shifts and technological change.
From cabinet ministers to chief ministers, business leaders to cultural figures, the event promises a crowded stage and a lively exchange of ideas. Union ministers such as Piyush Goyal and Jyotiraditya Scindia are expected to attend, alongside state leaders including Mohan Yadav, Pushkar Singh Dhami, Bhajan Lal Sharma, Nayab Singh Saini and Bhagwant Mann.
Political voices from across the aisle, including Smriti Irani, Akhilesh Yadav and Asaduddin Owaisi, will also join the conversation, ensuring that the debates are as diverse as they are dynamic.
Adding a cultural and sporting touch, personalities such as yoga guru Swami Ramdev, poet Kumar Vishwas and cricketing names like Sourav Ganguly, Axar Patel and Arshdeep Singh are set to share the stage. Global business leaders and diplomats will further widen the lens, reflecting the summit’s international outlook.
Speaking ahead of the event, TV9 Network managing director and chief executive officer Barun Das, said India stands at a unique moment in history, combining demographic strength, technological capability and entrepreneurial energy. He noted that in uncertain times, honest conversations and bold ideas will shape the country’s trajectory.
The summit will explore themes ranging from economic growth and governance to innovation, sustainability and culture, positioning itself as a platform for dialogue at a time when the world is in flux.
With a packed agenda and a high-profile guest list, What India Thinks Today Summit 2026 aims to do more than just talk. It seeks to capture a moment where India is not only part of the global conversation, but increasingly helping lead it.
