News Broadcasting
Sahara One looks to start a debate with a new series
MUMBAI: As India evolves, so do Indian families. Typically the older generation remains tied to tradition, while the younger generation wants to break away from age old customs and beliefs. People recognise this in their own families. For years, television, that great mirror of society, has focused on the changing dynamic in relationships. Now soon Sahara One will be airing content that will capture evolving relationships between mothers in law and daughters in law who are the linchpins of the Indian family.
The interaction between a mother in law and daughter in law has changed considerably. This leads to them having a difference of opinion that has to be negotiated with great sensitivity and patience. The forthcoming show on Sahara One will weave all this into a story that will have not just entertainment value, but will start a lively debate. Viewers can look forward to a dynamic story line, characters and situations that they can relate to.
Women who watch TV serials want to see women-centric content. This has always been the case. However things are a little different now. They no longer want froth and frivolity; instead they want to watch content that starts a debate and brings subjects that are not openly discussed, into the limelight. And here is where Sahara One is looking to score with their brand new serial set to air soon.
AAKHIR BAHU BHI TOH BETI HEE HAI – Do you agree? Participate in this online debate on – https://www.facebook.com/aakhirbahubhi
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.
