DTH
MIB reiterates 45-day alert to pubcaster on sports signal sharing
MUMBAI: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has reiterated that broadcast rights holders of sporting events for the India region should inform pubcaster Prasar Bharati of signal sharing details at least 45 days in advance.
A 2007 law mandates that private TV channels holding broadcast rights for the country should share signals of all sporting events of national importance with Prasar Bharti. The advertising revenue accruing out of such telecasts on Doordarshan and/or All India Radio would be shared between the private rights holder and the pubcaster.
However, some sports channels have contended that at times the rights are obtained on short notice and at other times various technical reasons make the 45-day notice difficult to adhere to. Industry sources also indicated that there have been occasions when official processes in Prasar Bharati have delayed the finalization of the organization that would undertake marketing and ad sales of events simulcasted on a private TV channel as well as Doordarshan.
MIB, in anotice late last week, stated that under “Rule 3(1)… content rights owner or holder and television or radio broadcasting service provider intending to carry a live television broadcast on any cable television network or direct-to-home [platform] or intending to make a radio commentary broadcast in India of a sporting event of national importance shall at least forty-five days prior to the proposed date of telecast or broadcast inform the Prasar Bharati about the same and offer to share the live signals in the manner and on such terms and conditions as prescribed under Rule 3.”
The government made it clear that permitted private satellite TV channel were manadetd by law to do so.
Sources in the ministry clarified that the communication was issued as some private TV channels, holding rights to various sproting events of national importance, failed to give the national broadcaster proper notice that resulted in difficulties and possible loss of revenue.
DTH
Den Networks reports Rs 1,227 million FY26 profit growth
Revenue crosses Rs 10,009 million as margins improve and costs ease
MUMBAI: Not all signals are on screen some are buried in the balance sheet. Den Networks has reported a steady financial performance for FY26, with profit after tax rising to Rs 1,227.53 million, reflecting improved operational discipline despite a relatively flat top line. For the year ended March 31, 2026, the company posted revenue from operations of Rs 10,009.17 million, marginally higher than Rs 9,891.45 million in FY25. Total income stood almost unchanged at Rs 12,282.10 million compared to Rs 12,279.77 million a year earlier, signalling stability rather than aggressive expansion.
The real story, however, lies beneath the surface. Total expenses declined to Rs 10,648.32 million from Rs 10,691.30 million, driven by tighter cost controls across key heads. Employee benefit expenses dropped to Rs 548.64 million from Rs 651.52 million, while depreciation and amortisation expenses also eased to Rs 652.01 million from Rs 723.06 million, indicating a leaner operational structure.
As a result, profit before tax rose to Rs 1,633.78 million from Rs 1,588.47 million, while profit after tax improved to Rs 1,227.53 million, up from Rs 1,173.96 million in the previous year. Earnings per share stood at Rs 2.57, compared to Rs 2.46 in FY25, underlining incremental shareholder value creation.
On the balance sheet front, the company’s total assets expanded to Rs 43,416.76 million from Rs 42,496.64 million, supported by a sharp rise in bank balances to Rs 30,628.71 million. Equity also strengthened to Rs 38,532.74 million, reflecting accumulated profits and a growing financial cushion.
Cash flow dynamics, however, present a more nuanced picture. While investing activities generated a net inflow of Rs 632.80 million, operating activities saw an outflow of Rs 553.50 million, largely due to tax payments and working capital adjustments. The company ended the year with cash and cash equivalents of Rs 151.70 million, up from Rs 106.11 million.
Taken together, the numbers suggest a business that is prioritising efficiency over expansion holding revenue steady while tightening costs and strengthening its balance sheet. In an industry where growth often grabs headlines, Den Networks appears to be making a quieter statement: sometimes, resilience is the real signal.
