News Broadcasting
Discover the essence of Pandharpur Wari Yatra with News18 Lokmat’s ‘Bheti Lagi Jiva’
Mumbai: News18 Lokmat has announced the launch of its special program ‘Bheti Lagi Jiva,’ dedicated to the grand annual pilgrimage of Pandharpur. The program, which started airing from June 29, will run until July 16, 2024 as it looks to capture the essence of the ancient tradition.
The Wari Yatra is an annual pilgrimage to the Vithoba Temple in Pandharpur, Maharashtra that begins from Dehu and Alandi in Pune, following distinct routes that converge in Pandharpur. Thousands of devotees, known as Warkaris, walk hundreds of kilometres from various parts of Maharashtra and neighbouring states to participate in this spiritual journey. This year, the pilgrimage began on June 29 and concludes on July 16, the auspicious day of Ashadhi Ekadashi.
Co-presented by Finolex Pipes & Fittings, News18 Lokmat’s ‘Bheti Lagi Jiva’ will provide comprehensive coverage of the entire journey, offering in-depth insights into the significance and traditions of Wari Yatra. A special focus will be given to the important ‘Ringans’ (a circular arrangement or pattern), capturing the pilgrimage’s spirit and determination.
The channel will also broadcast special coverage on 17 July, where the viewers will witness the culmination of the Yatra live from Pandharpur, showcasing the final rituals and celebrations. The daily updates are aired at 5:21 PM from 29 June to 16 July, featuring the latest news and exclusive stories from the ground.
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.
