News Broadcasting
The History Channel looks to build a local connect for ‘Ultimate Cars’
MUMBAI: The History Channel (THC) is looking at different ways in which to build a closer brand connect with viewers.
Last month it had announced a slew of initiatives which includes airing a set of interstitials called Timepieces. Now it has done a unique stunt for its show Ultimate Cars.
The show which airs every Wednesday at 10 pm looks at cars including Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Porsche 91, Corvette. It looks at what makes them special, the history as well as their novelty value. The channel has now tied up with car designer Dilip Chhabria.
Speaking to indiantelevision.com on this THC VP marketing Rajesh Sheshadari says, “Dilip Chhabria is an expert on the subject of cars. We therefore chose him as our endorser of the show. On air we have cut promos which air during the course of each episode. He gives his views on a particular car being featured.
“Online we have created a microsite at www.historychannelindia.com/dc.html. Visitors can read his views on the cars. They can also offer their feedback. There is a car of the week feature as well as an episode guide. For the next season next year we are looking to take the relationship to the next level by possibly organising an on-ground event with a motoring association.” The channel has roped in Pepsi, Visa, Nokia, ICICI Prudential, Club HP and Kinetic Blaze as sponsors.
As had been reported earlier by Indiantelevision.com THC has kicked off an online initiative is a campaign called Save Your History. This is a community sharing site that will allow Indians to share and collaborate on important historical happenings in their lives, which could be in the form of photos, precious documents and artifacts.
Right now a trial version of the site is up. The final version will be launched at the end of next month. The channel is also in the process of roping in well known personalities like industrialists to endorse the initiative. Promos featuring them will be cut and will go on air towards the latter half of next month.
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.
