News Broadcasting
CNN takes programming concept ‘Quest’ to the next level
MUMBAI: In April 2005 in order to broaden its programme offerings CNN had aired a special Quest. In it its correspondent Richard Quest tracked down some of the biggest names in comedy to find out what it takes to entertain and tickle the bones of a live audience.
Encouraged by the response the show received the broadcaster has announced that the concept will become a regular feature on the channel. Quest will see the correspondent going in search of greatness as he travels the globe. The show kicks off on 9 July at 5 pm with a repeat on 10 July at 12 pm and 6 pm.
Quest examines questions like Does the grey matter, matter? And does everyone have the potential for greatness? Dwelling on the initiative CNN Intl MD Chris Cramer says, “CNN is constantly seeking ways to evolve its programming. The success of the pilot show showed that we had hit a nerve with our international audience who are responding well to the growing strand of feature and lifestyle programming on CNN. We are very pleased to have developed a format that plays to Richard’s strengths as both interviewer and presenter who really engages with viewers.”
Drawing inspiration from the ancient civilisation of Petra, talking to living icons such as the Dalai Lama and going head to head with the legendary brain of Einstein, Quest is on a search in this first edition of his new series for what drives, inspires and makes a person great. Are they born that way or do they achieve greatness through hard work, experience, or knowledge?
As part of his research Quest seeks out personalities such as Archbishop Desmond Tutu, spiritual leader the Dalai Lama and former US President Bill Clinton for the answer. He also follows the well worn paths of those who have gone in search of inspiration and greatness in places such as Petra in Jordan and Gandhi’s ashram in India.
For the Dalai Lama greatness is more of a mental state than a physical one: he tells Quest: “ With a smart brain and credit by warm-heartedness, a sense of responsibility, sense of compassion I think a person becomes something, something great or something useful.”
Clinton says, “I think near history tends to reward those who happen to govern in difficult periods, particularly if there is conflict. What really matters in any leaders’ moment in history is that you understand the time in which you live and you understand your mission that will take you from where you are.”
What is unique about Quest is that it dispenses with the usual sofa and Q&A format. Richard Quest uses his unconventional and unique interviewing style to gain insight into what makes his guests tick.
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.
