News Broadcasting
Siddhartha Sharma appointed executive editor of NDTV Auto
MUMBAI: Every engine has a story, and NDTV Auto is now tuned for the next chapter. Siddhartha Sharma has joined as executive editor, bringing over 14 years of experience at the intersection of journalism, technology, and storytelling.
From ET Now’s Technoholik to TV Today’s Gadgets & Gizmos and Good News Today, Siddhartha has built a reputation for crafting stories that combine insight with perspective. At Network18, he launched India’s first digital-first auto and tech show on CNN-News18, redefining how audiences connect with innovation. His stint at The Quint saw him pioneer VR reviews, mobile-first formats, and selfie interviews, pushing the boundaries of immersive journalism.
Siddhartha’s experience extends beyond India. During his global tenure in Canada, he honed digital strategy, client development, and cross-cultural storytelling, adding fresh dimensions to his already versatile creative toolkit.
NDTV CEO and editor-in-chief Rahul Kanwal said, “Siddhartha brings a rare fusion of creative instinct and deep knowledge of the auto industry. He doesn’t just review cars, he explores culture, design, and the emotion behind innovation, adding purpose to every story.”
Siddhartha Sharma added, “NDTV has set the benchmark for credible and meaningful auto journalism. Joining NDTV Auto at a time when mobility is being reshaped by technology, design, and sustainability is exciting, and I look forward to this journey.”
At NDTV, Siddhartha will lead the transformation of NDTV Auto into a platform as intuitive as the vehicles it celebrates, spotlighting mobility, sustainability, and design with imagination and integrity. With his appointment, NDTV deepens its pursuit of stories that go beyond power and performance, capturing how innovation is shaping the way India moves, thinks, and aspires.
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.
