Cable TV
SitiCable sets sights on the East
KOLKATA: In a bid to expand its reach, SitiCable Network plans to launch seven to eight server-based TV channels in the eastern region. Of which, a devotional 24-hour Hindi channel is likely to premiere in the next 20-25 days, with plans afoot for a massive marketing campaign in Kolkata.
While the name of the newbie hasn’t been revealed, we’ve learnt it will include the word ‘Bhakti’.
Speaking to indiantelevision.com, SitiCable Kolkata director Suresh Sethia reveals: “We would be launching a 24-hour Hindi bhakti channel in the next 20-25 days. We aim at other channels as per local requirements.”
The MSO plans to launch its other server-based channels in locations including Patna and Guwahati.
Among the other channels, Sethia said SitiCable was looking at events – one for round the clock telecast of happenings across the city. “It can be any occurrence. Whether it is a function at Netaji Indoor Stadium or any accident or event organised by any company, the channel will cover it,” he said.
Without divulging the amount of investment, Sethia said the MSO had been spending for the past couple of years for exclusive content and would reap the benefits by airing the same.
“We are also acquiring content now. We are working with our partners as well,” he added.
A few months ago, SitiCable had also started the first Bengali devotional channel called Srijan TV: Spiritual and Cultural TV Channel. The Hindi devotional channel is possibly another effort in the same direction.
However, city-based media planners lauded the initiative saying the Hindi bhakti channel would do well in Kolkata as many non-Bengali devotees would be benefitted from it and going forward, it would also cater to a niche clientele in terms of both content and advertisements.
MUMBAI: When margins wobble, liquidity talks and in Q3 FY25-26, cash did most of the talking. Den Networks Limited closed the December quarter with consolidated revenue of Rs.251 crore, marginally higher than the previous quarter but down 4 per cent year-on-year, even as profitability stayed resilient on the back of strong cash reserves and disciplined cost control.
Subscription income softened to Rs.98 crore, slipping 3 per cent sequentially and 14 per cent from last year, while placement and marketing income offered some cheer, rising 15 per cent quarter-on-quarter to Rs.148 crore. Total costs climbed faster than revenue, up 7 per cent QoQ to Rs.238 crore, driven largely by higher content costs and operating expenses. As a result, EBITDA dropped sharply to Rs.13 crore from Rs.19 crore in Q2 and Rs.28 crore a year ago, pulling margins down to 5 per cent.
Yet, the bottom line refused to blink. Profit after tax stood at Rs.40 crore, up 15 per cent sequentially and only marginally lower than last year’s Rs.42 crore. A healthy Rs.57 crore in other income helped cushion operating pressure, keeping profit before tax at Rs.48 crore, broadly stable quarter-on-quarter despite the tougher cost environment.
The real headline-grabber, however, sits on the balance sheet. The company remains debt-free, with cash and cash equivalents swelling to Rs.3,279 crore as of December 31, 2025. Net worth rose to Rs.3,748 crore, while online collections accounted for 97 per cent of total receipts, underscoring strong cash discipline across operations, including subsidiaries.
In short, while Q3 showed signs of operating strain, the financial backbone remains solid. With zero gross debt, steady profits and a formidable cash war chest, the company enters the next quarter with flexibility firmly on its side proving that in uncertain markets, balance sheet strength can be the best growth strategy.
