News Broadcasting
Star shows 22% Q1 revenue growth, but operating income down
MUMBAI: News Corp’s Asian arm Star’s first quarter FY 2006 operating income has declined versus a year ago as revenue growth of 22 per cent, primarily in India, was more than offset by higher programming and promotional costs from the launch of new channels and an expanded programming line-up at Star Plus.
The revenue growth was driven by increased advertising revenues at Star Plus from the re-launch of Kaun Banega Crorepati and from higher subscription revenues reflecting new channel offerings and the international distribution of several of Star’s channels.
News Corp, which declared its fiscal first-quarter results yesterday, reported an overall net loss of $433 million, compared with a net profit of $625 million a year earlier. The Rupert Murdoch-controlled media conglomerate took the hit on a large accounting charge.
However, first quarter operating income jumped 19 per cent to $909 million on a revenue growth of 10 per cent at $5.7 billion.
Much of the growth was due to strong performance in News Corp’s cable network programming division, including the Fox News Channel and Regional Sports Networks affiliates, which offset a 32 per cent decline in broadcast TV operating income.
Commenting on the results, Murdoch said: “Our first quarter results reflect yet again the fiscal and operational momentum we have enjoyed for quite some time. Indeed, this was our 15th consecutive quarter reporting year-on-year operating income and revenue growth, and we delivered strong gains across nearly all of our operating segments. The sustained revenue, profit and cash flow strength from our established asset base has afforded us the opportunity to invest in several non-traditional media businesses that are experiencing explosive growth.
“And we have opportunistically expanded into new media, acquiring several assets which complement our existing businesses and which we believe enable us to better monetize our vast library of popular content. With solid momentum throughout the Company and a strong foundation of new media investments, we believe we are ideally situated to deliver continued strong returns in the future.”
Murdoch, meanwhile, has said News Corp’s internet division was well placed to increase revenue growth after the global conglomerate had transformed itself into a “new kind” of media company.
“The company is nimble enough to leverage our existing strength into this new medium and, with a very rational amount of investment, transform ourselves into a digital powerhouse in our own right,” Murdoch said. “We are positioned to grow revenue very quickly by targeting (internet) ads to specific users,” he added.
News Broadcasting
Kamlesh Singh receives Haldi Ghati Award from MMCF
India Today Group editor honoured for three decades of journalism at Udaipur ceremony.
MUMBAI- Kamlesh Singh just turned a lifetime of sharp words into a shiny shield because when journalism wakes up a society, even the Maharana of Mewar wants to pin a medal on it.
The Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) conferred its prestigious Haldi Ghati Award on Kamlesh Singh, a senior editor at the India Today Group, during a ceremony in Udaipur on 15 March 2026. The national award, instituted in 1981-82, recognises “work of permanent value that initiates an awakening in society through the medium of journalism.”
Singh, who leads several editorial initiatives including Aaj Tak Radio, the Teen Taal community and The Lallantop, was presented the honour by Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Managing Trustee of MMCF. The citation highlighted his three decades of contributions to Indian media, innovations in digital journalism, mentoring young reporters, and his popular podcast persona “Tau” on Teen Taal, which fosters thoughtful public discourse.
The Haldi Ghati Award, named after the historic Battle of Haldighati symbolising valour and resilience, is one of four national awards given annually by MMCF. Past recipients include Tavleen Singh, Piyush Pandey and Raj Chengappa.
Other honourees this year included Padma Vibhushan Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Vedamurti Devvrat Rekhe, Treeman of India Marimuthu Yoganathan, Vir Chakra Capt Rizwan Malik, and US-based researcher Molly Emma Aitken, who received the Colonel James Tod Award for contributions to understanding Mewar’s spirit and values.
In an era where headlines often shout louder than substance, the MMCF quietly reminded everyone that real journalism isn’t about noise, it’s about the quiet, persistent work that stirs society awake, one thoughtful story at a time.
