Network18 Media & Investments delivered a robust performance in Q2 FY2026, reporting consolidated revenue of ₹498 crore and a net profit of ₹40.7 crore. The company showcased operational resilience amidst a challenging ad market, strengthened regional leadership, and laid strong foundations for growth in digital and non-advertising revenue streams.
Network18 Media & Investments Limited has released its Q2 FY2026 financial results posting a consolidated revenue from operations of ₹498 crore (4.98 billion rupees) and a net profit of ₹40.68 crore (406.8 million rupees), marking a significant positive turnaround compared to previous periods.
This quarter demonstrated the company’s capability to navigate through a tough advertising environment with a 7.2% year-on-year growth in standalone operating revenue for its news business, reaching ₹477.2 crore. This growth was driven by improved pricing yields and a strong operating position across key markets despite a 7% decline in overall industry inventory demand.
Key Highlights:
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Consolidated revenue for Q2 FY2026 stood at ₹498 crore, reflecting year-on-year resilience.
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Net profit surged to ₹40.68 crore, a sharp recovery from losses posted earlier.
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Standalone news business revenue rose 7.2% year-on-year to ₹477.2 crore, underlining the brand’s market strength.
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Network18 maintains dominance as India’s largest TV news network with 13.5% all-India viewership share and over 250 million monthly viewers.
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Strategic acquisition of the remaining 50% stake in IBN Lokmat News Pvt. Ltd. for ₹25 crore, making News18 Lokmat a wholly owned subsidiary and consolidating regional leadership in Marathi news.
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Diverse portfolio includes 20 channels with strong leadership in Hindi, English, Marathi, and other regional markets.
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Company is expanding digital and non-advertising revenue streams, highlighted by ventures such as Creator18 serving the creator economy and Moneycontrol Fintech's growth.
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Operating costs were well-managed with marketing and distribution expenses at ₹110 crore and employee benefits at ₹208 crore.
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Confident outlook for Q3 and Q4 FY2026 driven by festive season demand and marquee programming.
This quarter’s results showcase Network18’s strategic focus on sustainable growth, digital transformation, and regional dominance. The acquisition of News18 Lokmat strengthens the company’s footprint in regional markets, ensuring an integrated experience across TV and digital platforms. Expansion into the creator economy and fintech verticals shows a forward-thinking approach to diversify income beyond traditional advertising revenues.
Network18’s leadership in the news segment is reinforced by its strong ratings for flagship channels including CNBC TV18, News18 India, and CNN News18 in their respective language markets.
Source: Storyboard18, Moneycontrol, Medianews4u, Adgully, Marketscreener, Tradingview, Network18 Investor Relations.