News Broadcasting
Veteran journalist Rahul Sinha makes comeback at Zee News’s flagship show
MUMBAI: Seasoned journalist Rahul Sinha is set to rejoin Zee News’ prime-time show DNA (Daily News & Analysis) as its anchor bringing his distinctive brand of patriotic reporting to Indian screens at 9 pm daily. The 27-year veteran returns with a mission encapsulated in the Hindi slogan that translates to “Bold Voice, Credible Communication, 100% Nationalism.”
With nearly three decades in the field, Sinha isn’t just dusting off his anchor’s chair – he’s reclaiming his old stomping ground on a programme he once helped make famous. His appointment comes as Zee Media positions DNA as an antidote to what it perceives as India’s increasingly muddled media landscape.
“Zee News’s DNA is more than a mirror to the nation’s concerns,” said Sinha, who is also the managing editor at Zee News. “Today, when the country needs clarity and conviction in communication, DNA will be that bold and honest voice for every Indian.”
The revamped show promises to cut through the clutter with Sinha’s trademark incisive analysis on everything from politics to international affairs, all filtered through a decidedly nationalist lens.
Zee Media chief executive Karan Abhishek Singh said: “DNA will continue to be a transformative force in Indian news with the mission of awakening the nation. As DNA takes on a fresh and dynamic avatar under Rahul Sinha’s leadership, it aligns with the evolving expectations of citizens. With a sharper, stronger approach, we look forward to redefining news analysis by diving deeper into the issues that matter most. In this renewed format, Rahul Sinha’s role will be instrumental in guiding the show’s editorial direction, bringing his vast experience and commitment to truth. In an era where clarity and courage in journalism are essential, our commitment is to empower citizens with truth, ask the tough questions, and deliver news that drives real impact. We are here to awaken the nation, one story at a time.”
Viewers can expect the anchor’s unvarnished take on national issues, with Zee promising “editorial independence” and “bold questions” – though all delivered with what the network calls a “strong nationalist spirit.”
In a mediascape often criticised for its partisan coverage, Sinha’s return represents Zee’s bet that Indians are hungry for news with a side of nationalism – delivered with conviction, if not always with neutrality
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.
