News Broadcasting
Zee TV brings big relief to the middle class this monsoon
MUMBAI: The Indian middle-class family runs on the unshakeable values of bachat, budget, ration, EMIs, and month-end jugaad. Every rupee matters; whether it’s choosing a sim recharge over a snack or holding back on a purchase to save for the future. In this world, ₹2 may seem trivial to some, but for a middle-class person, it holds real weight.
Zee TV, through its renewed brand philosophy Aapka Apna Zee TV, resonates deeply with these lived experiences. And through its recently launched fiction show Tumm Se Tumm Tak, it brought to life a character like Anu — a girl rooted in practicality, self-respect, and middle-class sensibilities. In a moment that struck a chord with viewers, Anu argued with a rickshaw driver over ₹2 change, firmly saying: “Agar ek crore mein do rupaye kam ho gaye, toh woh ek crore nahi hota.” This moment stayed with Aryavardhan, the male lead, and changed his outlook — leading him to launch a product with a ₹2 discount on mobile recharge, which ultimately transformed his telecommunication business.
An extension to this thought, Zee TV’s latest initiative brings a heartfelt gesture to the streets of Mumbai, Delhi, and Lucknow, distributing raincoats for just ₹2 to women and daily-wage earners who brave the rains every day. For many, especially women, walking around in drenched clothes can be uncomfortable and even embarrassing. More than a distribution drive, this is about empathy, making a necessity accessible while preserving dignity and a sense of ownership. That ₹2 isn’t just symbolic; it’s a powerful nod to the reality that ₹2 bhi bohot badi cheez hoti hai.
Adding authenticity to the campaign, actor Niharika Chouksey, who plays Anu in Tumm Se Tumm Tak, joined the initiative in Mumbai. Her character and her iconic line mirrors the philosophy behind this entire drive.
Zee TV chief channel officer, Mangesh Kulkarni said, “At Zee TV, we believe entertainment is only one part of our connection with the audience. The real bond is built on shared experiences, emotions, and mutual care. With our brand philosophy ‘Aapka Apna Zee TV’, we wanted to step into the lives of our viewers in a more tangible way. The ₹2 raincoat drive is a heartfelt gesture that brings our care for the audience to life. With this, we’re not just telling stories; we’re living our values.”
Niharika Chouksey, aka Anu from Tumm Se Tumm Tak, shared: “I am honoured to be a part of this initiative by Zee TV. As Anu, and even in real life, I’ve seen how small things can make a big difference. For many women working through the rains, a simple raincoat isn’t just protection; it’s a layer of comfort and dignity. And when it comes at just ₹2, it becomes a powerful reminder that even the smallest amount can make a big difference — because ₹2 bhi bohot badi cheez hoti hai.”
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.
