News Broadcasting
Zee Bharat: Igniting news with vibrancy of India’s spirit
Mumbai : Zee Media Corporation Limited presents ‘ZEE Bharat,’ a ground-breaking fusion of news and culture officially unveiled on 22 January 2024, igniting news with the vibrancy of India’s spirit. This channel revolutionises news consumption by seamlessly blending impactful storytelling with a vibrant celebration of India’s cultural richness and diversity.
Going beyond the conventional realms of news delivery, ‘ZEE Bharat’ stands out as a dynamic platform that offers a fresh, distinctly Indian perspective. More than just a news source, ‘ZEE Bharat’ is commitment to amplifying the unheard voices of rural India, providing a platform for those who truly represent the diverse fabric of the nation. With an energetic line-up of anchors and a rejuvenated look, the channel embodies a dynamic approach to news delivery, investigative reporting and impactful stories that goes beyond information dissemination.
Interestingly, ‘ZEE Bharat’ unveils a striking visual identity marked by vibrant colors, sleek graphics, and contemporary set design. This carefully crafted atmosphere serves as a mirror reflecting India’s cultural heritage, seamlessly merging with the nation’s forward-thinking spirit. The channel’s celebration of cultural richness is vividly showcased through a diverse colour palette resonating with the nation’s energy. It doesn’t just deliver news; it encapsulates the pulsating vibrancy and essence of India, setting unprecedented standards in news presentation.
Zee Media Corporation Limited CEO Abhay Ojha expresses his excitement about the launch, stating, “In the dynamic realm of media, Zee Media Corporation Limited stands resolute as a beacon of reliability and dynamism, driven by a belief in the transformative power of news. Our unwavering mission is to continually elevate the standards of journalism, offering our audience a trustworthy source amid the abundance of information. With ‘ZEE Bharat,’ we transcend the conventional boundaries of news. It’s not merely a medium; it’s a vibrant platform beckoning audiences to embark on a refreshing, distinctly Indian news journey. Brace yourselves for an exhilarating exploration where news intertwines seamlessly with the celebration of our nation’s rich cultural tapestry and diversity.”
Zee Media Corporation Limited chief revenue officer Mona Jain further highlighted, “ZEE Bharat transcends conventional news channels; it’s an immersive experience that mirrors the cultural richness and pride of our country. Advertisers can now join us in this celebration, forging connections with audiences who seek more than just information – they seek an emotional connection with their heritage.”
The unique ‘Zee Bharat’channel can be accessed on various platforms with the following channel numbers: Dish TV (654), D2h (721), Tata Play (520), Airtel Digital TV (319), Sun Direct (587), Siti Cable (306), Siti Gujarati (403), Siti Bihar (181), Siti JHK WB (168), Den (311), Fastway (317), GTPL (246), Hathway (209), IN Digital Maharashtra (318), IN Digital Delhi (315), Radiant (312), NXT Digital (807), Digiana (316), dL GTPL (163), Take One Digital (173), Rajasthan Infotech (103), Signet Digital (561), Darsh Digital (514), UCN (105), Skynet (211), and more.
ZEE Bharat invites audiences to embark on this unique journey, where news becomes a celebration of the cultural pride that unites us as Indians.
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.
