NDTV charts AI-first, digital-led growth strategy at 38th Annual General Meeting

NEW DELHI: Turning over a new leaf while staying true to its roots, NDTV has unveiled an ambitious roadmap centred on artificial intelligence, digital growth, regional expansion and diversified revenue streams as it looks to build what it calls “a new NDTV for a new India.”

The strategy was outlined during the company’s 38th Annual General Meeting, where the leadership highlighted investments in technology, newsroom modernisation and global expansion, alongside its continued focus on trusted journalism amid an increasingly complex media landscape.

Addressing shareholders, NDTV chairperson U.K. Sinha said the global environment remains shaped by geopolitical tensions, shifting trade dynamics, policy uncertainty and rapid technological change. Against this backdrop, he said India continues to demonstrate resilience, supported by strong domestic consumption, services exports, infrastructure investment and digital connectivity.

He also underscored the growing importance of credible journalism in an era of misinformation and AI-generated content.

“In a world where misinformation travels at the speed of algorithms, verified journalism is not a service, it is a necessity,” NDTV chairperson U.K. Sinha said.

Sinha noted that NDTV’s international reporting has focused on major global flashpoints, including Israel, Iran and Lebanon, while helping audiences understand both the human impact of conflicts and the diplomatic developments shaping them.

He said the broadcaster has strengthened its operational capabilities through investments in digital platforms, newsroom technology, distribution networks and international expansion, enabling it to serve audiences across television, web, mobile and emerging platforms.

On the financial front, Sinha highlighted the successful rights issue completed in October 2025, which raised Rs 396.5 crore and was subscribed 1.11 times. The proceeds were used to reduce debt, fund strategic initiatives and support general corporate purposes, improving the company’s balance sheet and financial flexibility.

Artificial intelligence, he added, represents a significant opportunity for journalism, particularly in areas such as research, transcription, data analysis and content distribution. However, he stressed that editorial oversight would remain central to the company’s AI strategy.

“Our approach is clear: leverage AI to enhance capabilities while safeguarding editorial integrity. Verification, accountability and human editorial judgement remain central,” NDTV chairperson U.K. Sinha said.

Providing an operational update, NDTV chief executive officer and editor-in-chief Rahul Kanwal said the company has renewed its focus on building a modern, multi-platform news network while expanding both its editorial footprint and audience reach.

NDTV reported revenue of Rs 528.29 crore during the year, representing 13.6 per cent growth over the previous year as it continued investing in its television and digital businesses.

Kanwal said NDTV 24×7 had strengthened its position through in-depth analysis and debates, while NDTV India deepened engagement through on-ground Hindi reporting. NDTV Profit also continued to strengthen its business news offering.

“At NDTV, across channels and screens, we are building a network that does not take sides. Every day, we mindfully bring stories that inform and impact without bias,” NDTV chief executive officer and editor-in-chief Rahul Kanwal said.

He also highlighted the company’s global ambitions through NDTV World and the NDTV World Summit, which brought together international policymakers, business leaders and experts to discuss geopolitics, technology, climate, diplomacy and economic resilience.

Digital continues to be a major growth driver for the broadcaster. Kanwal said NDTV has crossed 45 million lifetime YouTube subscribers, built a social media community of more than 102 million followers and generated over 40 billion video views across platforms. NDTV 24×7 recorded 127 per cent year-on-year growth on YouTube, while NDTV India posted a 1,521 per cent increase.

Calling digital the company’s “growth engine”, Kanwal said NDTV is also working towards becoming an AI-led media organisation by using technology to improve newsroom efficiency, audience insights and storytelling while ensuring editorial decisions remain firmly in human hands.

The company is also expanding its regional footprint through NDTV Rajasthan, NDTV Madhya Pradesh-Chhattisgarh and NDTV Marathi as part of its hyperlocal strategy.

Beyond news, NDTV is broadening its portfolio through new intellectual properties and businesses, including the NDTV Art Awards, NDTV Food Awards, Ind.AI Summit, NDTV ProAm, NDTV CoLab, Connected TV, NDTV Launchpad, NDTV Lifeline, NDTV Datafy and NDTV Automate.

Looking ahead, NDTV said it will continue investing in television, digital, AI, regional markets and global expansion while diversifying revenue streams, improving operational efficiency and building a more resilient media business. The company said it remains focused on combining trusted journalism with innovation as it enters its next phase of growth.