News Broadcasting
Its all about being in synch; etc adorns a new avatar
MUMBAI: etc’s got a makeover done. Adopting the philosophy of change being the only constant and permanent force, the music channel went shopping to adorn a fresh face with a lot of zing.
The outcome of that was one, a brand new channel ID. Two, more Bollywood centric and three more contemporary to films and music. Another key change that the channel has incorporated are new Bill Boards. Star Giraftaar, Once More and Pop Ki Aandhi have all been propped up with new and trendy designer labels, the channel claims.
Besides the labels of various shows ETC has also added a fresh show Guest Appearance to the channel’s kitty. One feature that the channel claims is that it has kept their power packed programming blend of film and music intact.
According to the company release, Tam data states that the average of six months period (25/1/2004 to 26/6/2004, All India Market, 15 minutes + and age 4+) Channel Share of ETC music is 28 per cent, MTV is 23 per cent, Channel [V] is 15 per cent, B4U is 8 per cent, CMM is 5 per cent, and Zee Music is 21 per cent. Hence showing that ETC reigned supreme during this period.
Amongst the 15 to 34 years SEC ABC (27/06/2004 to 3/07/2004) ETC says Tam data states that the channel led with a market share of 35 per cent while competition, that is MTV was 22 per cent, Channel [V] was 17 per cent, B4U was 8 per cent, CMM was 2 per cent and Zee Music was 16 per cent.
Commenting on these changes and innovations ETC Networks CEO Jagjit Singh Kohli says, “We have brought in this change for a fresher, slicker and smarter look. New channel promo is certainly more vocal of its content and focus. New packaging is something that the viewers can relate still better with etc and its programmes. This is in synch with our commitment to Hindi films and music.”
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.
