News Broadcasting
Yogi Adityanath Interviews with Network18 Editor in Chief Rahul Joshi
Mumbai: Network 18 broadcast an exclusive interview featuring Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The one on one discussion was held with Rahul Joshi, the Editor in Chief, where Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath spoke on various matters of public interest including the 2024 General Elections, the construction of the Ram Mandir, as well as the steps being taken to drive the state’s GDP.
Regarding employment, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath of Uttar Pradesh stated that over the past six years, the state has provided more than five lakh government jobs. He added that UP plans to further offer lakhs of jobs in the coming years. The CM will, on the of February 10, announce the quantum of investment that the state is likely to receive and also speak about the employment opportunities that are expected to be generated as a consequence.
During the discussion on the Investor Summit, CM Yogi stated that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the growth rate of UP has doubled in the last 6 years. PM Modi had set a target for the state during the first Investor Summit in 2018. To improve the lives of the 25 crore people in UP and to make India a 5 trillion dollar economy, UP must proactively work towards driving economic progress and development. The state has identified 25 sectors for growth and sent teams to major countries and cities in India to explore opportunities.
In regards to the upcoming assembly elections, the Chief Minister stated that the BJP has performed exceptionally well wherever it is in power. The benefits of government programs have been provided to all sections of society without discrimination. He also expressed confidence that in 2024, the Bharatiya Janata Party will secure more seats than in 2019.
On the topic of infrastructure, CM Yogi stated that UP’s existing infrastructure is connected to the National Capital Region (NCR), but the goal is to connect the eastern, Bundelkhand, western and central parts, as well as the airport. In the last six years, the state has made significant progress in its construction projects and strengthened inter-state connections. This has led to the establishment of Waterway No. 1, which connects the state with the eastern port. The express highway network has also been established in recent years, providing the state with the means to advance its economy in a timely manner and reach its targets.
Regarding the construction of the Ram temple, CM Yogi Adityanath stated that the temple’s construction is proceeding as planned. He affirmed that the temple will be built on time and Ramlala will take residence in the temple as scheduled. He described it as a moment of pride for the country and the world. The exact date for Ramlala’s arrival in the temple will be decided by the temple trust, and all plans will be executed in accordance with the trust’s decisions.
On the question of the Uniform Civil Code, CM Yogi Adityanath stated that various state governments have established committees to examine the issue. He mentioned that the Law Commission of Uttar Pradesh is also evaluating the matter. When the recommendations are received, the government will give due consideration. The Chief Minister stated that he will take all relevant factors into account and make a decision accordingly.
Regarding the issue of the boycott culture, CM Yogi Adityanath stated that individuals with exceptional talents such as artists, writers and others deserve respect, which is what the state strives to provide. He advised film directors to be mindful of the sentiments of the public and avoid including scenes that may cause controversy and harm public feelings. The Chief Minister emphasized that mistakes can happen, but deliberately causing controversy is unacceptable.
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.
