News Broadcasting
Zee 24 TAAS debuts AI anchor Zeenia to present AI survey
Mumbai: Zee 24 TAAS is poised to redefine Marathi journalism with its state-of-the-art AI anchor, Zeenia set to present the AI Survey, conducted. As per the press release the first Marathi news channel to deploy such advanced technology, Zee 24 TAAS is on a mission to deliver an insightful survey that reflects the true sentiments of Maharashtra’s diverse population.
As per the press release this AI survey, to be presented by Zeenia, the AI anchor, covers a wide spectrum of crucial topics including politics, religion, economics, and social issues, all in the lead-up to the Maharashtra elections. Airing on Friday 16 August 2024, at 6 pm, this remarkable initiative of the channel’s commitment to innovation and accuracy is highlighting a clear and impactful understanding of the electoral landscape.
Zee 24 TAAS officiating editor Kamlesh Sutar emphasised the importance of this milestone: “Zee 24 TAAS is always pioneering in bringing cutting-edge technology to Marathi news. With Zeenia leading Maharashtra’s first AI-driven survey, we are proving our dedication to delivering accurate and relevant content that resonates with our viewers. This survey captures the diverse sentiments across the state and is setting a new standard for news reporting in the region.”
Zee Media Coro Ltd (ZMCL) CEO Karan Abhishek Singh highlighted the broader impact, stating, “By launching Maharashtra’s First Major AI Survey with our AI anchor Zeenia, the channel network has demonstrated relentless drive for innovation. We are setting a new standard in journalism that is not only redefining the way news is delivered but also ensuring that we are at the forefront of technological advancements in the industry.”
As Zee 24 TAAS continues to lead the way in innovative journalism, the results of this AI survey serve as a vital tool for understanding the pulse of Maharashtra. The channel is inviting viewers to stay tuned for ongoing coverage and analysis, further exploring the impact of this historic initiative.
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.
