News Broadcasting
Zee News The Cricket show: A winning formula of cricket, humor, and expert insights
Mumbai: In the dynamic world of sports entertainment, Zee News’ The Cricket show stands out as a triumph, captivating global audiences and cricket aficionados with an impressive viewership surpassing 672 million across YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. The show’s unique concept, seamlessly blending cricket analysis with a touch of humor, has propelled it to the forefront of sports chat shows, delivering an engaging and entertaining experience for its vast audience.
Renowned for its in-depth match analysis roasts, exclusive Q&A sessions with cricket legends such as Shoaib Akhtar and Aakash Chopra, and live interactions with cricket influencers like Chayan, Prashant, and Abhishek, The Cricket show has become a staple for enthusiasts seeking an immersive cricket experience. Importantly, the show transcends studio discussions, fostering real-time connections with the pulse of the cricketing community.
The show’s exceptional coverage of the World Cup 2023 includes valuable insights from Shoaib Akhtar into Australia’s prowess in knockout matches, setting the stage for the much-anticipated clash between Australia and South Africa in the semi-finals. One of the distinctive features of the show is its commitment to steering clear of controversies, providing a refreshing and positive platform for cricket discussions. This commitment to maintaining a high standard of content significantly contributes to the show’s popularity and credibility.
In a recent episode, Shoaib Akhtar also provided an insightful analysis on the reasons behind India’s defeat. The show also featured an exclusive interview where Shoaib Akhtar boldly declared Hardik Pandya as a future captain, offering a unique perspective on the team dynamics.
Zee News editor Rajnish Ahuja said, “The Cricket show is a celebration of the spirit of cricket, meticulously crafted by our passionate team at Zee News. Our commitment to delivering resonant content and fostering a positive, controversy-free environment for cricket discussions is a testament to the show’s unwavering credibility. We take immense pride in providing a refreshing space for fans to revel in the game they love, solidifying the show’s standing as a reliable and esteemed source in the cricketing world.”
“The success of The Cricket show reverberates not just as applause from cricket enthusiasts but as a strategic crescendo for Zee Media Co Ltd. Its impact on our business landscape is akin to a well-played innings – calculated, impactful, and leaving a lasting impression on our brand, partnerships, and market influence,” highlighted Zee Media Co Ltd CEO Abhay Ojha
As the cricketing world continues to evolve Zee News’ The Cricket show remains a beacon of excellence, delivering unparalleled cricket content that resonates with fans worldwide.
Zee News continues to lead the way in news broadcasting, setting records and making history. With a dedicated team of journalists and professionals, the channel remains steadfast in its pursuit of journalistic excellence, always striving to inform, engage, and inspire its viewers.
Zee Media Co Ltd, one of India’s leading media companies, has a strong presence in the news and regional genres, with 16 news channels in seven different languages, reaching more than 528 million viewers through its linear and digital properties.
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.
