Cable TV
US cable firm Comcast to launch an exercise channel
MUMBAI: US cable firm Comcast in conjunction with fitness expert Jake Steinfeld and equity partners New Balance and Time Warner Cable, has launched Exercise TV.
This is an on-demand network dedicated to fitness, sports instruction and motivational programming.
During a pre-launch trial period with Comcast, Exercise TV video on demand (VOD) reached more than two million views per month. 20 million workouts were viewed over the course of the trial.
ExerciseTV is a network developed exclusively for VOD and emerging media formats, such as wireless and online video, which represents a significant shift from the traditional television programming and advertising model.
Rather than 30 to 60 second ads, sponsor-branded messages are completely integrated into the content of the network and include: product placement, branded graphic overlays and educational video segments developed in conjunction with sponsors.
New Balance is the first brand to sign a multi- million dollar deal with Exercise TV and is the exclusive athletic footwear and apparel sponsor of the network.
Comcast COO Steve Burke says, “ExerciseTV represents the next generation of television networks we are developing that are created for time-shifted, on-demand viewing. Fitness content is ideally suited for video on demand, and the multi-billion dollar home exercise market offers a great business opportunity for additional exercisetv sponsors. This partnership also is a major step in the evolution of advertising through new and innovative formats.”
With more than 90 programs available at any time, ExerciseTV offers something for all fitness levels, interests and demographics. Popular and innovative programs include:
— Cardio — Seniors workouts
— Pilates — Pre- and post-natal workouts
— Yoga — Spanish-language workouts
— Tai Chi — Sport-specific training and tips
— Sculpting and toning — Advice on selecting the right workout
— Dancing clothing and shoes
— Walking — Jake Motivates
— Kids workouts
The network’s website www.exercisetv.tv will become an online destination for additional fitness resources, including tips for planning workout schedules and program samples. In the coming months, viewers will be able to visit the website to purchase items that they see on ExerciseTV, including fitness apparel, equipment and extended versions of their favourite workouts on DVD.
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.
