News Broadcasting
IBN18: Losses rise; operational efficiency improves
MUMBAI: Things appear to be looking up at an operational level for IBN18 if one considers the company’s financial results for the year ended 31 March 2010. There has been a healthy jump in revenues and a slight fall in costs on a standalone basis. This, after last fsical’s operational losses, is a positive sign. However, from the shareholders viewpoint further improvements will have to be done by the management since IBN18’s overall net loss has widened to Rs 821 million in the year, as compared to Rs 682.21 million in FY09.
The standalone results include the performance of the two news channels CNN IBN and IBN7.
The company has posted a 15.9 per cent jump in the revenue for the fiscal at Rs 2.1 billion, as compared to last fiscal’s Rs 1.81 billion. Also its expenses have dipped marginally to Rs 2.37 billion from Rs 2.41 billion in FY09.
IBN18’s other income rose considerably this fiscal at Rs 536.51 million, as compared to Rs 39.86 million. Interest charges have also shot up and at Rs 433.92 million these are 126.6 per cent higher than FY09 where they were Rs 191.5 million. For FY10, the company posted an operating profit (Ebitda) of Rs 415.89 million as against an Ebitda loss of Rs 391.32 million.
On a consolidated basis, IBN18’s revenue rose considerably from Rs 1.83 billion in FY09 to Rs 6.03 billion FY10, mainly because of accrual of its JV partner Viacom18’s revenue to its balance sheet. However, it also added to the expenses of the firm at Rs 6.55 billion, as against Rs 2.57 billion in FY09. The net loss the firm made on a consolidated basis is Rs 1.1 billion in FY10, up from last fiscal’s 920 million. However, after adding the other income of Rs 548 million in the fiscal, the company has turned Ebitda positive at Rs 239.61 million, as against an operating loss of Rs 512.31 million in previous fiscal.
On a consolidated basis, IBN18 has included the financial results of its 50 per cent joint venture stakes in Viacom 18 and IBN Lokmat. Viacom18 which has had a net loss of Rs 429.9 million contributed Rs 168.8 million to IBN 18’s consolidated net loss in FY10. IBN Lokmat on the other hand sustained a net loss of Rs 210.9 million and contributed a further Rs 105.4 million to the firm’s consolidated net loss.
One of the reasons the company’s net loss in FY10 has gone up even though its operational workings have improved, is due to a provision made for an expected diminution in value of investments, to the tune of Rs 658.94 million on a standalone basis and Rs 658.1 million on a consolidated basis.
IBN18’s share price closed at Rs 83 on the Bombay Stock Exchange on Friday.
News Broadcasting
News18 hosts Tamil Nadu town hall ahead of 2026 polls
MK Stalin headlines ‘Next Big Leap’ event from 10am on 23 February in Chennai with leaders and icons.
MUMBAI: Tamil Nadu’s political pot is simmering and News18’s town hall is stirring it up just in time for the 2026 assembly elections boilover. Set for 23 February from 10am onwards in Chennai, the News18 Network Town Hall gathers heavyweights under the banner ‘The Next Big Leap for Tamil Nadu’ to dissect the state’s political pulse, economic edge, and cultural clout. With the 234-seat assembly contest looming as a fiercely competitive showdown, the event spotlights how Tamil Nadu’s identity-driven politics and engaged voters continue to ripple across national debates.
Chief minister MK Stalin leads the charge with a keynote on the theme, sketching his government’s blueprint for governance, development, and staying power pre-polls. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin chimes in on ‘Voices, Vision & Way Forward’, unpacking generational shifts and fresh narratives. From the opposition corner, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami tackles ‘Baton Change at the Ballot?’, floating alternatives to the status quo.
Economic vibes get a nudge from industries minister TRB Rajaa on ‘Investment Story Intact?’, probing the state’s draw for big bucks. BJP’s K Annamalai dives into ‘People, Trust & Political Ideology’, positioning his party in the Dravidian-dominated turf. IT Minister Palanivel ThiagaRajan explores ‘Code, Capacity & Citizenship’, on tech’s role in citizen-focused services. TVK’s KG Arunraj questions if ‘Winds of Change are Possible’ in this pattern-prone state.
A panel on innovation features IIT Madras director Prof V Kamakoti, M&M’s Velusamy R, and Electronic Industries Association’s Dr Sasikumar Gendham, musing how AI and knowledge hubs are remaking opportunities. Culture gets its due with composer Anirudh Ravichander on ‘Tamil Music for the World’.
CNN-News18, editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar noted, “The News18 Network Tamil Nadu Town Hall… reflects our core editorial focus, to capture the political mood of the state and spotlight the ideas that will shape the next phase of governance and growth.”
Network18, CEO of English & business news Smriti Mehra added, “As Tamil Nadu moves closer to a defining electoral moment… we see it as our responsibility to drive informed and meaningful conversations.”
Network18 managing editor for South, Vivek Narayan said, “The News18 Network Townhall in Tamil Nadu is designed as a platform where policy, politics and public interest intersect.”
Backed by associate partners Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles and Reliance Industries, the live event streams on CNN-News18, News18 Tamil, CTV, and Youtube from 10am on 23 February perfect for catching the sparks, even if you’re not knee-deep in Dravidian drama.
