News Broadcasting
CNN-IBN & Ericsson collaborate to foster innovation with ‘Networked India’
MUMBAI: CNN-IBN in partnership with Ericsson has announced the Top 5 finalists for its Networked India initiative after an extensive campaign over the past few months. The campaign aims to identify innovations that employ cloud, broadband and mobility to benefit society. A one-of-its-kind initiative, Networked India aims to give recognition to change makers and help realize the Networked Society in India.
The nominations were invited from innovators all across the country through the campaign portal www.networkedindia.com.Over 140 entries were received in the period 8 June to 12 July, 2015 and top five projects have been selected by an eminent jury comprising of industry experts. The shortlisted projects are on diverse subjects and sectors such as Healthcare, Environment, Transport and Human Rights.
A special episode of Networked India showcasing some of the interesting innovations from across the country will be aired on CNN-IBN on Friday, July 31 @ 6:30 PM & 11:30 PM. The Top 5 finalists will be revealed on CNN-IBN a week later in a special show to be telecast at the same timings.
The grand finale of ‘Networked India’ will see the finalists presenting their unique ideas. The top two winners will be announced at the Grand Finale to be held at New Delhi on 7 August. The Grand Finale of Networked India will include keynote address by Dr. M Annadurai, Director, ISRO Satellite Centre & Programme Director of Mars Orbiter Mission (ISRO) followed by brief presentations by the finalists showcasing their projects and a panel discussion on ‘Networked India: Are we there yet? ’.
Avinash Kaul, CEO, IBN News Network said, “The world has come closer because of innovations in the field of communication. We’re proud to be the flag-bearers in promoting and encouraging such remarkable innovations which, in the days to come, help build a better society and a better country.”
Chris Houghton, Head of Region India, Ericsson, said, “Ericsson has long envisioned the arrival of a Networked Society. As this transformation comes to life, we are seeing people use mobility and the internet to make a positive impact on their own situations and their communities. Networked India is a platform wherein the real change-makers can come to the fore and share their stories. At Ericsson, we see ourselves as enablers of change makers.”
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.
