MAM
AROI welcomes TRAI’s broadcasting recommendations under Telecommunications Act
MUMBAI: This is one industry which is kind of giving the thumbs up to the recently recommended changes to broadcasting services by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) under the Telecommunications Act, 2023. In fact, the radio industry has gone beyond that and has welcome the proposed changes through The Association of Radio Operators for India (AROI).
The proposals outline significant changes to the regulatory framework, replacing the existing licensing model with a structured authorisation system intended to streamline operations and foster digital transformation.
The key recommendations include:
* A voluntary migration path for existing licensees until 2030, becoming mandatory thereafter
* Technology-neutral approach to facilitate digital broadcasting transition
* Separation of service authorisation from frequency assignment
* Permission for private FM stations to broadcast news and current affairs for up to 10 minutes hourly
* Allowance for terrestrial radio services to stream content online simultaneously
* Removal of mandatory co-location requirements for FM radio stations
* Voluntary infrastructure sharing between broadcasting and telecom providers
* Implementation of a separate programme code and advertisement code for private radio
* 10-year licence renewal periods with a 4 per cent adjusted gross revenue fee structure
* Potential shift from city-wise to district-wise allocation of FM frequencies
The Telecommunications Act, 2023, which repeals the Indian Telegraph Act of 1885, mandates authorisation for entities providing telecommunication services, though implementation dates remain pending.
An AROI spokesperson acknowledged the recommendations as “a welcome step towards industry growth and regulatory clarity” whilst noting certain aspects may require “further discussion” to fully serve private broadcasters’ interests
Brands
Sapphire Foods FY26 revenue rises to Rs 3,125 crore, posts loss
Q4 revenue at Rs 792 crore, FY26 loss at Rs 32 crore amid cost pressures.
MUMBAI: If growth is on the menu, profitability seems to have taken a brief detour. Sapphire Foods India reported a steady rise in topline for FY26, even as rising costs weighed on profitability. Revenue from operations grew to Rs 3,125 crore for the year ended March 31, 2026, up from Rs 2,882 crore in FY25. However, the company swung to a loss, reporting a net loss of Rs 32 crore for FY26, compared to a profit of Rs 17 crore in the previous year. Total income for the year stood at Rs 3,153 crore, while total expenses climbed to Rs 3,167 crore, reflecting pressure across key cost heads.
In the March quarter, revenue came in at Rs 792 crore, compared to Rs 711 crore in the same period last year. The company reported a quarterly net loss of Rs 13 crore, against a profit of Rs 2 crore a year earlier.
Cost pressures remained visible across operations. Material costs rose to Rs 995 crore for FY26, while employee expenses increased to Rs 428 crore. Other expenses, the largest component, stood at Rs 1,229 crore, underscoring the impact of store operations and expansion-related spends.
Depreciation and amortisation expenses also climbed to Rs 392 crore for the year, reflecting continued investments in store infrastructure and growth.
At the operating level, the company reported a loss before tax of Rs 37 crore for FY26, compared to a profit of Rs 23 crore in FY25. Exceptional items added Rs 24 crore to the cost burden during the year.
On the balance sheet, total assets rose to Rs 3,256 crore as of March 31, 2026, up from Rs 3,041 crore a year earlier, indicating ongoing expansion. Net worth stood at Rs 1,389 crore.
Despite profitability pressures, operating cash flow remained resilient at Rs 507 crore, highlighting underlying business strength and demand stability.
The numbers paint a familiar picture in the quick-service restaurant space, growth continues to be served hot, but margins are still finding their footing.
