News Broadcasting
BBC radio icon John Peel passes away
MUMBAI: One of the giants of British radio BBC disc jockey John Peel, whose nightly Radio One programme is credited with launching the careers of British bands including New Order and Joy Division passed away from al heart attack.
He was 65 years old..Peel is credited with nurturing musicians and introducing listeners to new sounds.
Radio One controller Andy Parfitt said: “John Peel was a broadcasting legend. I am deeply saddened by his death as are all who work at Radio 1. Hopeful bands all over the world would send their demo tapes to John knowing that he really cared. His commitment and passion for new music only grew stronger over the years.
“John’s influence has towered over the development of popular music for nearly four decades and his contribution to modern music and music culture is immeasurable..
BBC DG Mark Thompson said, “He was one of the giants of radio and will be missed, not just by everyone at the BBC, but by millions of listeners of all ages.” Peel also presented a weekly BBC World Service music programme.
Meanwhile Kershaw, a DJ on BBC Radio 3, was quoted in a report saying that Peel’s schedule at Radio 1 had been affecting his health. Kershaw wrote an article in The Independent saying that the last time he saw Peel, he looked absolutely worn out. Peel had informed him that his Radio 1 slot had been moved and that the combination of that and Home Truths (his Radio 4 show) was taking a toll. Kershaw added that Peel felt he had been marginalised.
Peel broadcast on Radio 1 three times a week in the 10 pm-midnight timeslot until July. He was moved to the 11pm -1am slot
BBC World Service director Nigel Chapman said, ” He was a very popular, pioneering presenter who broadened the horizons of generations of global listeners. He was a tireless enthusiast for new music in all its forms and his passion and warmth touched the lives of millions around the world. A great advocate of the World Service, he played a key role in our recent 70th Anniversary celebrations. His innovative and iconic style will be greatly missed.”
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.
