News Broadcasting
First IPTV network devoted to independent, student filmmakers launched in the US
MUMBAI: Interactive Television Networks (ITVN) which deals with Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) has created an independent film network. This will launch next month.
The Indie Film Theater will offer its entire catalogue of titles to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis. Unlike the current generation of download services, ITVN’s Indie Film Theater, as is the case with all of ITVN’s networks, delivers instant real-time streaming of content to the home television without the need for a PC.
ITVN CEO Charles Prast says, “ITVN’s Indie Film Theater delivers award-winning independent and student films to our customers. We are committed to offering the best in entertainment and are proud to now offer hundreds of
excellent films that fall outside of the studio system and cannot be found on other networks.”
Initial content that wil be offered will include the library from World Cinema Online. This offers a selection of the finest independent, foreign language, cult and classic films from around the world. ITVN’s Indie Film Theater is a Pay-Per-View service that will allow users to view difficult to find, award-winning films at attractive prices. Most films will cost $2.95 for 72 hours of unlimited viewing.
World Cinema Online co-CEO Marcus cherry says, “At World Cinema Online we’re passionate about bringing independent and international films to larger audiences. ITVN is at the forefront of the on-demand entertainment revolution and we are delighted to combine our films with their technology. This partnership is an integral part of our strategy to use broadband technologies to bring award-winning independent films to the worldwide audiences they deserve.”
ITVN points out that IPTV has many advantages, such as virtually limitless programming and on-demand content because only channels selected by consumers are delivered over home broadband networks. All content-including HDTV-can be distributed on a subscription or pay-per-view basis with content promotion integrated into the user experience. IPTV also offers interactivity for the customer, allowing two-way communication with services comparable to the Web, creating a better environment for users, programmers and advertisers.
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.
