News Broadcasting
US media leaders present security guidelines to FCC
WASHINGTON D.C: Leaders from the US broadcast, cable and satellite industries have made a detailed presentation to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). It consists of over 50 best practices recommendations detailing prevention and restoration measures to ensure the continued operation and security of media facilities in the face of a national emergency.
These recommendations were the result of a focussed survey of media facilities across the US.
The recommendations were presented to members of the Media Security and Reliability Council (MSRC) at its biannual meeting at the FCC. The 41-member Federal Advisory Committee will complete voting on these recommendations by 26 November.
The Communications Infrastructure Security, Access and Restoration Working Group presented to the Council the best practices recommendations detailing prevention and restoration measures that local media can implement. The best practices included recommendations regarding the physical security, backup power, and redundant facilities for radio stations, local television stations and cable television companies.
They also included recommendations related to disaster recovery plans of radio and television broadcasters, cable companies, direct broadcast satellite (DBS) and digital satellite radio providers, and other delivery media. FCC Chairman Michael Powell added, “This fourth meeting of the MSRC Council demonstrates the continued commitment of the FCC and the media industry to take the necessary steps to achieve a fundamental priority of this Commission and this country-securing and protecting our homeland.”
The Public Communications and Safety Working Group reported to the Council on an upcoming workshop they plan to conduct. They are preparing to study Tampa, Florida as a model for implementation of existing MSRC best practices recommendations, and to develop new recommendations based upon local and regional practices in the Tampa Bay area.
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.
