News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 launches new weekend show ‘Crux of the Matter’ with Rahul Shivshankar
Mumbai: CNN-News18, India’s leading English news channel, has launched ‘Crux of the Matter,’ a trailblazing weekend show anchored by consulting editor Rahul Shivshankar, airing every Saturday at 7 pm.
In the endless cycle of 24×7 news television, critical questions like “Why,” “How,” and “What Next” often go unaddressed. Viewers seeking meaningful context are increasingly turning away from traditional platforms, relying on non-legacy media entities such as YouTubers. However, these sources often lack the intellectual, moral, and financial resources required for thorough research. ‘Crux of the Matter’ aims to bridge this gap.
Elaborating on what sets this show apart, Rahul Shivshankar said, “Drawing upon my experience as an anchor, author, and print media columnist, alongside the collective expertise of CNN-News18’s seasoned journalists and domain specialists, we aim to dissect and contextualize news events in all their complexities. Presently, there is no other show on Indian television that can boast such a diverse ensemble of established talent, offering insights on matters central to public life. Leveraging the brand reputation of the TV18 network, we will be able to feature contributions from esteemed experts and prominent commentators, providing viewers with unparalleled, comprehensive analysis of pressing issues on one convenient platform.”
CNN-News18 managing editor Zakka Jacob added, “In the relentless stream of news and information, it is important to pause and reflect on significant events for a comprehensive understanding of the topic. Through this show, our aim is to provide well-researched analysis of two key news events every week, engaging in insightful discussions with experts to unravel intricacies of the matter. The show offers a nuanced and thorough examination of each topic, which makes it an ideal appointment viewing on weekends.”
Network18 CEO – Business & English News Smriti Mehra said, “‘Crux of the Matter’ is yet another step in our journey of delivering impactful journalism through a diverse range of shows. With the expertise of Rahul and the collective prowess of our team, we are proud to offer viewers a platform that provides in-depth analysis and meaningful discourse to reflect on issues that shape our life.”
Covering politics, economics, science, and culture, the show adopts a structured format. It consists of two equally timed segments, each addressing different topics introduced through a news report and subsequently analysed by a panel of experts.
‘Crux of the Matter’ airs every Saturday from 7 pm to 8 pm on CNN-News18. It is also available for streaming on the channel’s YouTube platform.
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.
