News Broadcasting
Pioneering Change: Zee Media’s evolution with strategic leadership
Mumbai: Zee Media Corporation Ltd is thrilled to announce its significant expansion within its leadership team, marking a decisive stride towards fortifying its position in both linear and digital media spheres. Welcoming aboard seasoned industry stalwarts heralds a meaningful stride and steps forward towards excellence and innovation, ensuring Zee Media remains at the forefront of the evolving media landscape.
Tejas Soni, with over 19 years of sales and media management experience, has joined Zee Media as branch head of sales (North), while Moumita Ghosh returns as branch head – sales (South), bringing with her over 16 years of sales and marketing expertise. Additionally, Mr. Darius Maneckji joins as revenue management – branch head – sales (West), equipped with a wealth of strategic acumen and a successful track record in revenue management.
Tejas’s diverse background in OTT, sports, entertainment, and English news sectors positions him as a key asset in expanding Zee Media’s influence in the Northern zone, emphasizing our strategic focus on broadening reach and revenue streams in this critical region. In the Southern zone, Moumita Ghosh’s proven track record in market presence establishment and her customer-centric approach perfectly align with our objectives of driving growth and fostering partnerships.
Bringing over 22 years of experience in sales, marketing, and advertising, Darius is appointed as the branch head of sales (West) for Zee Media’s linear properties. In this role, he will oversee revenue management for ZMCL Linear Properties in the West region, spearheading growth through strategic decision-making and fostering collaboration with both internal and external stakeholders. Reporting directly to ZMCL’s Chief Revenue Officer, his leadership is poised to enhance Zee Media’s market presence and competitive advantage through the implementation of innovative revenue strategies.
Zee Media Corporation Ltd CEO Abhay Ojha underscored the significance of these strategic moves, stating, “As we embark on this journey with our new team members, it’s imperative to recognize that their integration into our organization signifies more than just the filling of positions. It represents the convergence of diverse experiences and talents, laying the groundwork for our collective future. Each individual brings a unique perspective, enriching our collaborative efforts as we navigate the evolving landscape ahead. Together, we’re not merely spectators; we’re active participants in shaping our destiny. Every decision made, every challenge overcome, and every milestone achieved is a testament to our unwavering dedication to realizing our shared vision of sustained growth and success. Through mutual respect, open communication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, we will forge ahead, united in purpose and driven by the boundless possibilities that lie ahead.”
ZMCL chief revenue officer Mona Jain further added, “As we strengthen Zee Media’s sales team, we’re embarking on an exhilarating journey poised at the intersection of tradition and innovation. Our vision is to not only embrace the evolving landscape of media consumption but to lead the charge. With exciting plans unfolding in both the linear and digital spheres, we are primed to showcase the formidable proposition and enduring legacy of our network to the market. This is more than just a strategy; it’s a testament to our unwavering dedication to delivering excellence and pushing boundaries. Together, we’re shaping the future of media and writing a new chapter of success for Zee Media.”
These strategic appointments empower Zee Media Corporation Ltd to capitalise on emerging opportunities and maintain its momentum of success in the fiercely competitive media sector.
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.
