News Broadcasting
News18 Kannada launches ‘Akhada’- your source for unbiased political analysis and current affairs
Mumbai: News18 Kannada, Karnataka’s leading news channel, is proud to announce the launch of ‘Akhada,’ a breakthrough prime-time debate show dedicated to deconstructing political developments and current affairs. With its unbiased analysis, interesting discussions, and expert insights, this new program is sure to engage viewers, making it an absolute must for those seeking a deeper knowledge of the challenges influencing our society today.
The show will be hosted by Hariprasada A, a renowned journalist with 17 years of experience in the Kannada news industry. With an impeccable track record and a strong presence across various Kannada news channels, Hariprasada A is widely recognized as one of the most credible faces in Kannada journalism. His dedication to journalistic ethics and unbiased reporting has earned him the trust and respect of audiences across the region.
News18 Kannada Akhada will bring together an assorted panel of well-known opinion makers, political party spokespersons, and renowned journalists to create a platform for lively and knowledgeable debates. The show will address today’s most pressing concerns, offering viewers a complete and impartial assessment of the most demanding matters in politics and current affairs. The show is set to become the go-to source for in-depth political analysis and thought-provoking discussions in Karnataka.
Tune in to News18 Kannada starting 5 October 2023, Monday to Friday from 7.00 PM to 8.00 PM, and join Hariprasada A and his expert panel as they navigate the complex world of politics and current affairs on ‘Akhada’.
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.
