News Broadcasting
Times Network elevates Nikunj Dalmia as managing editor of ET Now
MUMBAI: Times Network has elevated Nikunj Dalmia as managing editor of ET Now. He will succeed Sandeep Gurumurthi, who announced his decision to move on from his current responsibilities.
In his new role, Dalmia will report to Times Network MD and CEO MK Anand and will lead all editorial decisions for the channel, head news programming, conceptualise shows in addition to his anchoring responsibilities – The Market, Closing Trades and Market Makers.
Commenting on the development Times Network MD and CEO MK Anand said, “Sandeep has been an integral part of ET Now, right from its inception. We are grateful to him for his many contributions in making ET Now a front runner and the most coveted Business news channel in India. We wish him well in his future endeavor. We are also pleased to welcome Nikunj in his new role and I’m sure he will lead ET Now to greater glories.”
Dalmia has over 20 years of experience. In his previous role as the executive editor – Financial Markets, ET Now has built a reputation of understanding the dynamics of the markets and has gained respect of the market voices and viewers alike. Dalmia is India’s most seasoned Business News anchor who has witnessed the journey of the SENSEX from 2800 to 36000.
On his new role, ET Now managing editor, Nikunj Dalmia said, “I’m honored to take over the new responsibility and I’m thankful to Sandeep for his guidance and contribution to the success of the channel. I look forward to taking on this mantle and further the momentum of ‘Rise with India’.
Sandeep Gurumurthi said, “I’ve cherished a decade long association with ET Now and I’m thankful to the Times Group, MK Anand and the fabulous team for their support in building a powerful brand. Under Nikunj’s leadership, I feel very confident that the channel and the company will continue to follow its aggressive growth path and achieve more success.”
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.
