News Broadcasting
CNBC-AWAAZ unveils Sapne Hoge Sach programming for Union Budget 2024
Mumbai: CNBC-AWAAZ has launched an extensive programming lineup for the ‘Union Budget 2024’. Under the overarching theme ‘Budget 2024: Sapne Hoge Sach,’ the channel will offer live and in-depth analysis – a month-long pre-budget analysis, Budget Day and post-budget analysis, focusing on its impact on markets, economic sectors, and individual finances.
CNBC-AWAAZ will cover every aspect of the budget announcement, its impact on the market, different sectors, and on Aam Janta of India. Viewers can look forward to insights from BUDGET EDITORS, market veterans, economists and technical analysts, who will break down the nuances of the finance minister’s speech and its implications for the Indian economy.
Embed link: https://youtu.be/HMsEIx8D3qk
The channel has curated an impressive line-up of experts to provide their insights and expertise. The ‘Budget Editors’ segment will feature Rahul Arora (CEO, Nirmal Bang Institutional Equities), Gurmeet Chadha (managing partner & CIO, Complete Circle) and Prakash Diwan (Investment Evangelist, prakashdiwan.in).
The ‘Budget Guru’ segment will include Nilesh Shah (MD & CEO, Kotak AMC), Nilesh Shah (MD & CEO, Envision Capital), Sunil Singhania (founder, Abakkus asset manager LLP) and Sharad Kohli (founder, KCC Group & Tax Expert).
Throughout the Budget Programming, renowned guests like Madhu Kela (founder, MK Ventures), Prashant Khemka (founder, White Oak Group), Vijay Kedia (Managing Director, Kedia Securities), Navneet Munot (MD & CEO, HDFC AMC) and Raamdeo Agrawal (chairman, MOFSL) will also share their insights.
Pre-budget shows on CNBC-AWAAZ will explore key themes and expectations, setting the stage for the Union Budget 2024. On Budget Day, the channel will feature live coverage of the finance minister’s speech, followed by expert analysis and commentary. Other special segments will include ‘Tech Panchayat’, ‘Grand Jury’, ‘Top Calls’, ‘Bazaar ke Diggaj’, and ‘Aapko Kya Mila’. These segments will provide in-depth analysis, simplify complex topics, and decode the budget’s implications for various sectors and individual finances.
Speaking on the special programming lineup, CNBC-Awaaz managing editor Anuj Singhal said, “The general expectation from this year’s budget is that it should help transform the common man’s dreams into reality with impactful economic policies. Our programming will analyse the Union Budget and its effects on the economy, businesses, markets, and the public. Through our exhaustive analysis and finance experts, we aim to help decode the Budget with the most reputable voices breaking it down for our viewers.”
Network18 CEO English & business news Smriti Mehra said, “The Union Budget presents a significant opportunity for CNBC-AWAAZ to reinforce its role as the audience’s trusted guide. Our relentless pursuit of editorial excellence has solidified our leadership in the market, resonating deeply with our extensive viewer base. This strong viewership is attractive to advertisers seeking to engage with our audience. We are eager to forge deeper partnerships with our clients through our innovative brand and advertising solutions.”
Apart from the special programming line-up, the channel has also launched an extensive campaign highlighting its strength, credibility, and expertise across on-air, social media, and trade platforms. The innovative campaign, ‘Fit Hoga Kya?’, taps into the colloquial manner of saying ‘Mere Budget Mein Fit Hoga Kya?’ and explores the impact of the Budget on individuals. CNBC-AWAAZ has strategically partnered with Delhi Metro, Mumbai Local trains, and Mumbai Dabbawalas, reaching over 6000+ office goers in key corporate hubs like NSE, BSE, and BKC. The innovative AR filter-based campaign illustrates how CNBC-AWAAZ simplifies the Budget’s implications for consumers and their finances.
Tune in to CNBC-AWAAZ on 23 July, Tuesday, from 7 AM onwards to catch the live coverage of the Union Budget 2024, followed by expert analysis and special segments throughout the day.
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.
