News Broadcasting
India Today Group launches the election-focused digital channel ‘ChunavAajTak’
Mumbai – Keeping the spotlight on local to national elections, India Today Group has officially launched its exclusive election centric digital channel ‘ChunavAajTak’. With five state elections slated in the upcoming months of 2023, followed by the significant 2024 Lok Sabha elections, ‘ChunavAajTak’ emerges as a pivotal resource for users. The platform’s comprehensive coverage encompasses not only Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections but also spans panchayat, municipal, Rajya Sabha, presidential, and international elections. Positioned as India’s pioneering election-focused channel, ‘ChunavAajTak’ is set to revolutionize election-centric reporting.
India Today Group vice chairperson Kalli Purie stated during the launch of ‘Chunav AajTak,’ “In India, politics is one of the most captivating subjects for people, and elections are at the heart of politics. I am delighted that the India Today Group will now comprehensively cover all aspects of elections digitally, delivering viewers all the necessary information, news, and analysis related to elections.”
In the world’s largest democracy, India, elections are celebrated no less than a festival. Elections are a regular feature of a vibrant democracy, happening at various times in different parts of the country. Elections are always scheduled in some parts of the country. These elections infuse a distinct energy into the nation’s political landscape. Elections serve as a means for citizens to select their preferred government, thereby shaping the trajectory of their future. Beyond delivering real-time updates on elections, ‘ChunavAajTak’ takes on the responsibility of furnishing meticulous analysis and transparently presenting information to empower voters in making informed decisions.
The primary objective of ‘ChunavAajTak’ is to present multifaceted election coverage in an engaging manner. The digital platform offers not just election news but also features segments like ‘Chunavi Class,’ enlightening viewers about pertinent electoral subjects. From captivating election anecdotes in ‘Chunavi Kisse’ to satirical election foresight in ‘Chunavi Bhavisyavani,’ the channel promises diverse content to cater to every palate.
Stay informed about crucial election updates by subscribing to ‘ChunavAajTak’ on YouTube.
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.
