News Broadcasting
NDTV to provide content to unique metro-rail media system, partners XTD
MUMBAI: Premier television broadcaster NDTV is preparing to provide content to billboard-size digital TV screens installed in the Delhi Metro Rail network. NDTV, a leading news and infotainment network, is one of the first channels to launch innovative news and lifestyle channels.
The NDTV content will be part of the demonstration of a cross-track digital video and information system being installed within the Delhi Metro Rail system by international transit technology company XTD Ltd. It is anticipated that beyond the demonstration the XTD screen system will be extended to broader sections of the Delhi Metro. XTD is a transit technology business that designs, creates and maintains the world’s leading metro-rail, digital cross-track media systems.
A unique screen format has been created by XTD using NDTV’s award winning news content for the cross-track media demonstration. Content will alternate between Hindi and English and will be updated through each day. The layout of the screens will be unique and feature news, finance, sport, weather and entertainment updates.
XTD’s digital cross-track media system is designed for metro rail and offers the world’s highest broadcast standards for media in metro rail environments. The system consists of large LED screens and high-fidelity sound capabilities that engage commuters with long and short form content including general news, sport, entertainment, business updates and weather.
“The demonstration of the XTD systems in the Delhi Metro sees the introduction of a unique new media to India,” said NDTV Group CEO & executive vice-chairperson KVL Narayan Rao. “This is a most exciting opportunity to reach an audience with relevant and timely video and sound content. This audience is previously used to static images on train platforms, but the XTD systems transform the cross-track experience for commuters.”
XTD CEO Steve Wildisen said, “We are excited to receive early interest from large and respected brands in India and we will focus on turning these leads into commercial opportunities. The XTD digital media systems are unique in the world and capable of transforming sections of metro rail stations into far more engaging environments for commuters and brands.”
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.
