Network18's FY25 Performance: Doubling EBITDA Amid Advertising Challenges

Network18's FY25 results highlight a near doubling of EBITDA to ₹33 crore, driven by digital and regional growth, despite challenges in advertising revenue.

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Apr 27, 2025 - 00:01

Jun 13, 2025 - 23:40

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Network18's FY25 Performance: Doubling EBITDA Amid Advertising Challenges

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Network18 Media & Investments Ltd. reported a notable increase in its standalone operating EBITDA for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, nearly doubling to ₹33 crore. This growth occurred despite a challenging advertising environment, with the company's news business revenue rising by 4.3% year-on-year to ₹1,896 crore.

Digital and Regional Growth

The company's digital platforms, particularly Moneycontrol, continued to strengthen their market position. Moneycontrol Pro surpassed 1 million paid subscribers, solidifying its status as India's leading subscription-based financial news platform.

In regional markets, Network18's channels achieved significant milestones. News18 Lokmat and News18 Bangla secured the top positions in Maharashtra and West Bengal, respectively, while News18 Kannada emerged as a strong contender in Karnataka. These achievements contributed to Network18's leadership in the TV news sector, with a 14.1% all-India market share and a weekly reach exceeding 180 million viewers.

Financial Highlights

Operating Revenue: ₹1,896 crore (up 4.3% YoY)
Operating EBITDA: ₹33 crore (nearly doubled from the previous year)
EBITDA Margin: Improved to 2.6% in Q4 FY25 from 2.2% in Q3 FY25
Standalone Net Loss: ₹69 crore in Q4 FY25, compared to ₹31 crore in Q4 FY24
Consolidated Net Loss: ₹1,777 crore for FY25, primarily due to exceptional losses from the derecognition of Viacom18 as a subsidiary and the sale of Indiacast

Leadership Commentary

Chairman Adil Zainulbhai expressed confidence in the company's trajectory, stating, "We are pleased to conclude the fiscal year as India's largest news network in terms of viewership share, audience reach, and language presence. Despite short-term macroeconomic challenges, we remain optimistic about our long-term growth prospects."

Conclusion

Network18's performance in FY25 underscores its resilience and adaptability in a fluctuating media landscape. Through strategic investments in digital platforms and regional markets, the company has reinforced its position as a leading news network in India.