News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 leads with 38.8 per cent market share in election phase 2: BARC ratings
Mumbai: According to the latest data released by the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC), CNN-News18 has continued to dominate the Lok Sabha Elections coverage with leadership during the second polling phase on 26 April.
With a remarkable 72 per cent lead over its nearest competitor, CNN-News18 remained the number one choice of viewers for comprehensive polling day coverage. It captured an impressive 38.8 per cent market share, maintaining a significant lead over competitors. (Source: BARC India | TG: 2+ | Mkt: India | Period: 26th Apr 2024 | Market Share per cent, 7 channels considered)
The power-packed performance of CNN-News18 on the crucial polling day is a testament to its special election programming, delivering the most accurate information, coupled with the finest news anchors such as Zakka Jacob, Anand Narasimhan, Shivani Gupta, and Rahul Shivshankar. The channel’s extensive network of reporters nationwide going to polls ensured comprehensive coverage nationwide. CNN-News18’s presentation with engaging graphics and insightful explainers simplified complex trends and data, making it easily palatable for the audience.
Speaking on the channel’s performance, CNN-News18 managing editor Zakka Jacob said, “CNN-News18’s leadership in the second phase of elections is an affirmation from our viewers about our brand of nuance over noise journalism. At a time when audiences demanded the fastest and most comprehensive polling day coverage, they turned to CNN-News18 as their trusted source of information. We expect to see more viewers tuning in as the election fervour peaks in the coming weeks.”
Network18 CEO of English News Smriti Mehra added, “We’re delighted by the channel’s exceptional performance on the polling day, securing a strong lead over the competition. This success not only underscores our commitment to delivering outstanding news coverage but also boosts advertiser interest, highlighting the impactful journalism and broad audience appeal that define our 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.
