News Broadcasting
Govt explores mechanism for rating TV programmes
NEW DELHI: The Indian government is exploring whether a mechanism could be set in place whereby television programmes too can be classified under different ratings as films give out advisory on viewing.
This move is being explored as part of a content regulatory framework that the government proposes to put up in place in deference to complaints received on indifferent and vulgar software being put out by TV channels and also with a view to bring in some sort of semblance in a chaotic industry where there are no laid down rules.
Though it’s early to say whether such a regime would lead to further liberalisation or not, the government, as part of an advisory sent out to various channels, has asked for feedback on the need to change the existing programming and advertising code also.
Next week, the information and broadcasting ministry is slated to hold a round of discussions with various stakeholders of the broadcast and cable industry, including non-governmental organisations and consumer bodies, on the issue of content regulation.
Amongst the topics for discussion that have been listed are norms of decency during coverage of events and incidents, to what level privacy of individuals should be maintained, whether programming and advertising codes need to be re-visited, whether TV programming likes serials too should be rated for viewing (U, UA or A).
In connection with ratings of TV programming, another topic for discussion is whether trailers for movies and music videos get censor certificates and ratings and should these be adhered to strictly or not.
A Delhi-based media critic, on being asked about the feasibility of rating TV programmes said, “If the film ratings are strictly enforced for TV, quite a few popular Hindi soaps are likely to end up getting ratings of UA (parental guidance needed for viewing) or A (strictly for adults). And, some programmes on English channels may permanently get an A certificate.”
Inconsistent policies and regulatory framework have hampered the Indian market’s potential development. According to a report prepared by the Hong Kong-based Media Partners Asia, “India’s broadband cable and satellite TV industry, a $2.7 billion revenue opportunity in 2004, is in a state of flux as uncertainties surrounding market regulation and competition in the delivery of video services cloud visibility over the potential of one of Asia’s most attractive consumer blocks.”
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.
