News Broadcasting
ABP News hosts Ayodhya Utsav prior to Ram Mandir inauguration
Mumbai: Ahead of the highly anticipated inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on 22 January 2023, by PM Narendra Modi, ABP News has unveiled the Ayodhya Utsav. Scheduled for broadcast on ABP News from 27 to 31 December 2023, this celebratory event stands as a poignant tribute to the profound cultural and religious significance of the impending inauguration of the Ram Mandir.
Set against the serene backdrop of the sacred Sarayu River, the Ayodhya Utsav serves as a momentous platform to explore the religious, cultural, and socio-economic reverberations. This celebration embodies a deep reverence for Ayodhya’s historical legacy and cultural heritage, emphasising the symbolic importance of this sacred land.
The schedule for Ayodhya Utsav boasts a diverse array of cultural performances, thought-provoking discussions, and poignant reflections. Esteemed personalities from various spheres including music, politics, poetry, and religious leadership will converge to commemorate this historic milestone. The event will provide a platform for engaging discussions and expressive cultural presentations, fostering an atmosphere of celebration and introspection around this significant occasion.
Among the distinguished guests, Swati Mishra, known for her rendition of “Ram Aayenge,” joins the event alongside Champat Rai, the general secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra. Krishna Gopal, serving as Sah Sarkaryawah of RSS, and Raju Das, the Mahant of Hanuman Gadhi in Ayodhya, will share their insights and contributions during this momentous occasion. Additionally, the esteemed gathering includes Satyendra Das, Shishya of Ramvilas Vedyanti and Kalpatri Maharaj Sant. Mahant Dharam Das, recognised for his involvement in the Babri Masjid case, is also slated to participate, alongside renowned figures such as Anup Jalota, a distinguished singer, and Anamika Amber and Sunil Jogi, eminent poets. Ravi Kishan, Member of Parliament from BJP, will offer his perspectives, while Purnima Kothari, the sister of the Kothari Brothers who lost their lives during Kar Seva will represent the enduring sacrifices made during this historic journey. The event will also see the presence of Pradeep Kumar Gupta, and The Sadho Band which will add their musical tribute to this significant celebration.
The Ayodhya Utsav brought to audiences by ABP News, extends a cordial invitation for all to partake in this grand celebration. The channel endeavours to create a nurturing space for dialogue, cultural expression, and a profound appreciation for the transformative journey culminating in the inauguration of the Ram Mandir.
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.
