Network18 Q2 Results: News biz revenue up 7%; retains leadership across segments

Network18 Media & Investments Ltd reported a 7% year-on-year rise in operating revenue from its News business to ₹477 crore in the September quarter, underscoring the network’s strength amid a challenging advertising environment.

Operating EBITDA grew over 5% year-on-year to ₹7.4 crore, while operating margins remained largely unchanged at 1.5%.

Network18 continues to be the largest TV news network in India, with viewership share up 220 basis points year-on-year, driven largely by growth in regional

markets. The network maintains leadership in key categories — CNBC-TV18 leads the business news space with a 67.8% share, News18 India tops the Hindi news segment with 13.1%, and CNN-News18 remains No. 1 among English news channels with a 36.7% share.

The company also announced plans to acquire the remaining 50% stake in News18 Lokmat, making it a wholly owned subsidiary.

Adil Zainulbhai, Chairman of Network18, said, “Acquisition of the balance stake in News18 Lokmat further strengthens our market-leading portfolio of national and regional news channels. Our mission is to be the one-stop news destination for audiences across the country.”

He added that Network18’s multi-lingual bouquet of TV and digital platforms continues to expand, positioning it well to benefit from the government’s recent demand-boosting measures.

Network18’s digital footprint remains strong, with its YouTube channels garnering over 13 billion views during the quarter — more than three times that of its nearest competitor. Initiatives such as Moneycontrol Fintech, Creator18, and Firstpost are further enhancing its digital ecosystem.

Ahead of the results announcement, shares of Network18 Media & Investments closed 1.93% higher at ₹51.68 on the NSE.