News Broadcasting
CM Bhupesh Baghel addresses News18’s ‘Agenda Chhattisgarh’ summit
Mumbai: CM Bhupesh Baghel was the chief guest at the recently concluded Agenda Chhattisgarh Summit organised by News18. The event also saw a diverse array of top political leaders speak on the state’s development and the impending assembly elections.
CM Bhupesh Baghel graced the event as chief guest and shared the fact that he draws his energy from the people at large. He said that the BJP fears its defeat in the upcoming elections, and that is the reason that the party is sending Union ministers and MPs to Chhattisgarh to the state for the same. He alleged that the central government has been exhibiting a biased attitude against Chhattisgarh. CM Baghel also took on the BJP on ‘Sanatan’ and also stated that AAP contesting elections in Chhattisgarh won’t make any difference to Congress.
Deputy CM T.S. Singh Deo shared insights on Chhattisgarh’s development journey. He also clarified his previous statement that expressed admiration for the central government. The Deputy CM confidently asserted that the Kaka-Baba duo will bring victory for Congress in the upcoming elections.
Chhattisgarh’s Home Minister, Tamradhwaj Sahu, spoke about Naxalism being the biggest challenge being faced by the state.
Mohammad Akbar, the State’s Forest and Housing Minister, used the platform to underscore the government’s commitment to environmental conservation and housing development.
Komal Hupendi, the State President of the Aam Aadmi Party, launched a scathing attack on both the BJP and Congress. He emphasised the public’s growing discontent with both parties and their desire for change.
Amarjeet Bhagat, Chhattisgarh’s Food and Supply Minister, took the opportunity to discuss his department’s notable achievements and the government’s welfare initiatives.
Sadhguru Riteshwar Maharaj added a spiritual dimension to the event speaking at length about his views on the essence of spirituality and advocating for the principles of religious harmony, emphasising unity among diverse faiths.
‘Agenda Chhattisgarh’ served as an exemplary platform for diverse voices to converge, providing insights into the critical issues faced by the state. The event underscored the commitment of Chhattisgarh’s leadership and influential figures to foster development, address challenges, and strive for a brighter future.
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.
