News Broadcasting
Zee News AI exit polls and actual results show remarkable accuracy
Mumbai: As the nation eagerly awaited the results of the 2024 Lok Sabha Election, Zee News introduced an unprecedented approach to election forecasting. Utilizing AI-powered sentiment analysis, Zee News embarked on a mission to capture the pulse of the nation by gathering opinions from an astounding 10 crore voters across India. As the most trusted voice in the country, Zee News has broken new ground with ZEENIA, delivering impeccably precise exit poll predictions driven by advanced AI technology.
The results were nothing short of remarkable. Zee News’ AI-driven forecast accurately predicted that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) would secure 305 seats, while the actual results showed the NDA winning 292 seats. This close alignment between the predicted and actual results highlights the unparalleled accuracy of Zee News’s methodology and their profound understanding of voters’ sentiments.
In stark contrast, other channels and survey agencies predicted NDA seats to be around 400, further underscoring the evolving nature of Zee News’ approach. This monumental achievement not only solidifies Zee News’ position as a pioneer in the field of journalism but also reaffirms its commitment to delivering reliable and insightful coverage to a nation hungry for accurate information.
Highlighting the accuracy and reliability element, Zee News managing editor Rahul Sinha said, “Zee News is known for unbiased and factual reporting. The close match between our AI exit poll predictions and the actual election results is a significant achievement for the channel. It illustrates the capability of artificial intelligence, particularly our AI anchor ZEENIA, to deliver precise and unbiased election forecasts. The adoption of cutting-edge technology allowed us to provide our viewers with the most accurate information. We are proud to set a new benchmark in election reporting, ensuring citizens are well-informed with reliable data that closely reflects the final vote counts.”
Zee News’ AI-powered exit polls have undoubtedly set a new standard in election forecasting, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of Indian journalism.
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.
