News Broadcasting
ET NOW and ET NOW Swadesh unveil special shows for 78th Independence Day
Mumbai: As India commemorates 77 years of Independence, ET NOW, English Business News channel, and ET NOW Swadesh, Hindi Business News Channel, have unveiled a specially curated programming envisioned as ‘India @100’, celebrating its rich legacy as it approaches its centenary of independence in 2047.
Themed ‘India @100,’ both channels will air a series of insightful and impactful content, highlighting key pillars essential to shaping the nation’s future: Economic Growth & Innovation, Education & Skill Development, Healthcare & Wellbeing, Sustainability & Environment, Governance & Democracy, Technology & Digital Transformation, Social Change & Inclusivity and India’s Global Role. With in-depth analysis, commentary, and inspiring stories of innovation and resilience, both channels will explore the vision of a progressive, inclusive, and self-reliant India.
Independence Day programming on ET NOW and ET NOW Swadesh includes:
. Businesses Of Naya Bharat: This dynamic 30-minute show airing on August 14, explores businesses driving India’s economy. With insights from Vikas Khemani, Founder of Carnelian Asset Management, and Nooresh Merani, Founder, Analyse India, this show at 1:00 pm delves into India Inc.’s success and the stocks that are propelling the nation towards its $5 trillion economy goal.
. INDIA @ 100- Financial Freedom Day: Take a step towards your financial independence journey with ET NOW. Join Kavita Thapliyal on August 14 for a 30-minute show that provides actionable financial strategies, model portfolios, and expert hacks. Featuring insights from Nilesh Shah, CEO, Kotak AMC; Dhirendra Kumar, CEO, Value Research; and Feroze Azeez, Deputy CEO, Anand Rathi Wealth Ltd., this show at 5:00 pm is your guide to achieving financial independence and becoming the change you envision.
. India @ 100: A special debate, ‘India @ 100,’ on ET NOW with Anchor Vikram Oza will witness distinguished panellists including Gurcharan Das, Author and Commentator, Former CEO P&G India and Siddhartha Sanyal, Chief Economist & Head of Research, Bandhan Bank will envision India’s path to becoming a developed nation by 2047. The discussions on August 14 at 9:00 pm will focus on the role of India Inc. in driving the nation to a $5 trillion economy, highlighting the strategies and milestones essential for this transformation.
. Swadeshi superstar, Kamaai Asardar: This special show on ET NOW Swadesh on August 14, will delve into the robust performance of PSU stocks and homegrown companies, the pillars of strength for the Indian economy. Hosted by Abhishek Satya Vratam, the show features experts including Gaurang Shah, Whole Time Director, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Rohan Mehta, CEO & Portfolio Manager, Turtle Wealth; and Rajesh Agarwal, Head of Research, AUM Capital Market Pvt Ltd present three standout stocks showcasing the enduring potential of India’s financial landscape.
. India @ 100: On Independence Day at noon, Sheryll D’Souza anchors a 30-minute special on ET NOW decoding the Prime Minister’s speech at Red Fort, New Delhi. With insights from Sanjay Nayar, Founder & Chairman of Sorin Investments, and Rajnish Kumar, Former Chairman, State Bank of India, the show outlines India’s path to Atmanirbhar and global leadership.
. India @ 100 Desh Ka Dum: Marking Independence Day, ET NOW Swadesh will air a 30-minute panel discussion led by Abhishek Satya Vratam on India’s economic resilience and border security. Featuring defence experts Major General Rajan Kochhar (Retd.); Augustine Vinod (Retd), Group Captain, and Col. Shailendra Singh (Retd), this show addresses national strength amid rising Chinese interference post-Bangladesh crisis.
News Broadcasting
Network18 Q4 revenue grows 9.7 per cent, EBITDA at Rs 30 crore
PAT improves to Rs 306.6 crore, margins steady amid cost pressures.
MUMBAI: Not all news is breaking, some of it is quietly improving. Network18 Media & Investments Limited appears to be doing just that, tightening losses and stabilising margins even as costs continue to weigh on the business. For FY26, the company reported revenue from operations of Rs 1,955.1 crore, up from Rs 1,896.2 crore in FY25, signalling modest top-line growth in a challenging media environment. Total income stood at Rs 1,978.2 crore, compared to Rs 1,913 crore a year earlier.
Profit after tax came in at Rs 306.6 crore for the year, a sharp turnaround from Rs 3,225.4 crore in FY25, largely reflecting the absence of large exceptional items that had inflated the previous year’s numbers. On a more comparable basis, the company’s operating performance showed signs of gradual stabilisation.
However, the quarterly picture remained under pressure. For the March quarter, Network18 reported a loss of Rs 53.1 crore, narrower than the Rs 98.1 crore loss in the same period last year, but still indicative of ongoing cost challenges.
Expenses continued to track high. Total expenses for FY26 stood at Rs 2,235.7 crore, up from Rs 2,197.8 crore in FY25. Key cost heads included operational expenses of Rs 765.9 crore, employee benefits of Rs 475.9 crore, and marketing, distribution and promotional spends of Rs 427.1 crore, underlining the continued investment required to sustain reach and engagement.
At an operating level, margins remained under strain. Operating margin stood at 2.33 per cent for FY26, marginally higher than 1.77 per cent in FY25, while net profit margin remained negative at -13.02 per cent, though improved from -14.89 per cent.
On the balance sheet, total assets rose to Rs 8,957.6 crore as of 31 March 2026, from Rs 8,317.5 crore a year earlier. Equity strengthened to Rs 4,958.7 crore, while borrowings increased to Rs 3,112.8 crore, reflecting a higher reliance on debt to support operations.
Cash flows told a mixed story. While financing activities generated Rs 83.9 crore, operating cash flow remained negative at Rs -24 crore, highlighting ongoing pressure on core cash generation. Cash and cash equivalents, however, improved to Rs 33.9 crore from Rs 1.8 crore.
The numbers point to a company in transition growing revenues, trimming losses, but still grappling with structural cost pressures. In a sector where scale often comes at a price, Network18 seems to be inching towards balance, one quarter at a time.
