News Broadcasting
WION & Zee Business’ InSight 2024 conclave sets the stage for a transformative year ahead
Mumbai: InSight, the flagship conclave presented by WION & Zee Business, recently convened an esteemed gathering of industry leaders, esteemed journalists, and visionary moderators to illuminate the path forward for India’s future. This landmark event served as a platform for insightful discussions, thought-provoking fireside chats, and engaging sessions, all aimed at deciphering the complexities of the past year and charting a visionary course for the year ahead. The conclave showcased the unwavering commitment of both media giants to deliver insightful and engaging content that resonates with viewers globally. It was streamed live on WION & Zee Business’ respective YouTube channels.
The on-ground conclave comprised of a fireside chat with the guest of honour, minister of state for road transport & gighways and civil aviation General V. K. Singh (Retd). Subsequent sessions delved into diverse topics including ‘Changing Investment Trends and the Future Ahead’, featuring SBI Mutual Fund deputy MD and joint CEO D.P. Singh, engaging in thought-provoking dialogue with Anil Singhvi, Zee Business, and Vikram Chandra, WION. The conversation explored the evolving dynamics of investment and the burgeoning participation of retail investors in shaping market trends. A strategic conversation on ‘Accelerating Progress – Mapping the Evolution of India’s Automotive Landscape’ featured Maruti Suzuki India Sr executive officer, marketing & sales, Shashank Srivastava and BMW Group India president & CEO Vikram Pawah.
WION & Zee Business chief business officer Madhu Soman lauded the success of InSight, stating, “As we reflect on the success of this conclave, we are reminded of our core mission—to inform, to inspire, and to empower. The overwhelming response affirms that our efforts to create a platform for meaningful discourse have struck a chord with our audience, driving us to continue pushing the boundaries of content delivery.”
Zee Media Corp Ltd (ZMCL) chief revenue officer Mona Jain echoed this sentiment, highlighting, “InSight exemplifies our dedication to fostering informed dialogue and facilitating knowledge-sharing among industry leaders and experts. As we navigate the complexities of an ever-changing world, events like these play a crucial role in shaping our collective understanding and driving positive change.”
In addition to the enriching discussions, attendees were treated to a special performance by Anirban Dasgupta, Stand-up Comedian and writer, adding a touch of humour and entertainment to the proceedings.
As InSight drew to a close, attendees left with renewed optimism and determination. Armed with their insights, participants are ready to tackle the challenges and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead in 2024 and beyond. Watch the full stream on WION & Zee Business’ YouTube channels.
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.
