News Broadcasting
BBC Weather takes forecasts into 3-D realm
MUMBAI: The Beeb is all set to introduce 3-D graphics to its weather forecasting. BBC presenter Helen Willetts will present the first international forecast using the new technology.
The BBC new-weather look with the use of the 3-D innovative technology is the first major change. BBC weather since 1985 when magnetic symbols were replaced by computer generated maps and symbols. A BBC release states that this development represents a significant advance from the first TV forecasts, which featured charts, hand-drawn using wax crayons.
The new system will also feature virtual reality technology and the forecasts will use constantly updated weather data provided by the UK-based meteorological office.
BBC Weather Centre main presenter Helen Young says: “The new system will introduce more realism, movement and clarity to the forecasts. For the first time viewers will be able to see the sun shine and the rain fall on the weather map. Complex weather situations will be much clearer for the audience.
“The use of 3-D graphics means we can zoom into areas where weather conditions are bad, or particularly interesting, and provide a much closer view.”
BBC Weather project director centre Colin Tregear says, “All the hallmarks of BBC weather – accuracy, authority and reliability will remain but the forecasts will be more engaging and informative.
“Most people want to know ‘what’s my weather going to be like?’ Our new presentation will give the audience the up to date information they really need, in a way that is easier to understand.”
Viewers will first be able to see the new-look weather globally on BBC World and in the UK on the BBC’s domestic channels – BBC 1, BBC 2, BBC 3, BBC 4, and News 24, as well as on the BBC’s website bbc.com.
The system is able to display weather from all parts of the world and the technology will lead to more live forecasts and more frequent updates to the weather website – which is one of the most popular parts of BBC news online.
The re-launch follows a recent, major audience research exercise, which showed that BBC Weather was found to be trustworthy, but that the graphics were considered old-fashioned and in need of refreshment.
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.
