News Broadcasting
News18 India announces the launch of News 18 India Morning Prime with Pankaj Bhargav
Mumbai: News18 India, a Hindi news channel, has announced the launch of its latest show, “News18 India Morning Prime.” presented by ace anchor Pankaj Bhargav, the show is scheduled to premiere on February 28 and will air on weekdays from 8 AM to 10:30 p.m.
“News18 India Morning Prime” will set a new benchmark in the morning news program space, offering viewers a vibrant blend of breaking news coverage, on-ground reporting, insightful analysis, and engaging discussions. With Pankaj Bhargav leading the show, viewers can expect a stimulating start to their day, packed with the latest news stories, backed by expert insights on the day’s most pressing issues including a segment titled ‘Kamaal ki Baat,’ where the most intriguing aspects of the day’s news will be highlighted., exclusive interviews with key newsmakers and a touch of entertainment in equal measure.
This show is designed to be a must-watch for our viewers, offering them a comprehensive and engaging morning news bulletin.
Speaking on the launch of “News 18 India Morning Prime”, Jyoti Kamal, editor, of News18 India, and hindi digital, said, “With ‘News 18 India Morning Prime,’ we embark on a journey to redefine morning news viewing. This dynamic show is meticulously crafted to offer viewers a comprehensive blend of breaking news and incisive analysis. It’s not just about delivering information; it’s about empowering our audience with the knowledge they need to navigate the day ahead. As we gear up to unveil this groundbreaking program, I am confident it will resonate with viewers, setting a new standard in morning news broadcasting.”
Starting 28 February, ‘News18 India Morning Prime’ will air on weekdays from 8 AM to 10.30 AM on News18 India.
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.
