News Broadcasting
News18’s extensive programming for Bihar assembly elections
NEW DELHI: As the excitement builds up for the upcoming assembly elections in Bihar, the first amidst the Covid2019 pandemic, major political parties are gearing up for a fierce battle. Capturing the latest happenings from ground zero, News18 Network’s News18 India and News18 Bihar-Jharkhand, have lined-up extensive programming. The extensive plan will aim to keep the viewers apprised about every single political development in the state leading up to the counting day.
Reinforcing its commitment of bringing the most comprehensive electoral reportage through a wide array of diverse formats, News18 India will present its election programming under the umbrella branding ‘Sabse Bada Dangal’. Comprising channel’s renowned shows, – Bhaiyaji Kahin and Lapete Mein Netaji –, the programming will highlight the ground realities, connecting with the voters and viewers alike. Bhaiyaji Kahin, the unique travelogue-cum-chaupal show, will travel to Bihar giving voters there a platform to voice not only their concerns but also expectations from the next government. While, Lapete Mein Netaji will bring famous poets and politicians together for their unique take on the upcoming elections. A flagship show of the channel, it aims to bring much-needed humor and satire to intense political issues. Other specials are also being planned which will incorporate top stars from the state to flavor the intense electioneering with some local entertainment. The programming on the channel will also consist of debate shows which will bring focus on both key issues faced by voters as well as the political strategies being adopted by key political formations.
News18 Bihar-Jharkhand will also be carrying extensive programming – Bihar Mein Kiski Bahar – on the biggest elections of 2020 in India. A number of special shows like Bahas Bihar Ki, a high-impact debate show will aim highlight issues that concern the voters the most. Through the unique show Bhabhiji Maidaan Mein Hai, the channel aims to decode what’s on the voter’s mind from a women’s perspective – a special character Bhabhiji, the anchor for the show, travels on-ground to capture the pulse of the voters through direct dialogue. Another special show “Litti Par Charcha” travels across popular Litti Chokha joints and engages in discussion with people at these eateries. Apart from these there will be a variety of other shows and segments giving viewers an unparalleled access and insight into these important elections.
Bringing top newsmakers from across the leading political parties on a single platform, the channels will present the most impactful debates, discussions and innovative programming on Bihar elections. Supported by a team of experienced anchors, on-ground reporters and eminent experts, News18 Network will offer viewers unmatched coverage of these crucial state elections.
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.
