Delhi: Network18 Media & Investments Limited today announced its results for the quarter ended September 30, 2025. The company reported a 7.2% year-on-year increase in operating revenue during the second quarter, despite continued softness in the advertising environment and a 7% decline in inventory demand across the TV news industry. Operating revenue stood at ₹477.2 crore in Q2 FY26, compared to ₹445.3 crore in Q2 FY25 and ₹430.4 crore in Q1 FY26. The growth was driven by improved pricing yields and Network18’s strong operating position across markets. Network18’s performance signals an uptick for the overall industry, indicating positive momentum and expectations of continued growth in both Q3 and Q4.
Reaffirming its commitment to regional news leadership, Network18 has strengthened its presence in the Marathi market by acquiring the remaining 50% stake in IBN Lokmat News Pvt. Ltd. (IBNL), the operator of the leading Marathi news channel, News18 Lokmat, for ₹25 crore. Following this acquisition, News18 Lokmat becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of Network18. The channel has shown strong revenue growth over the past three years and holds an undisputed leadership position in the Marathi news segment. The acquisition will enable a seamless experience for Marathi audiences across television and digital platforms while consolidating Network18’s regional leadership.
Commenting on the development, Adil Zainulbhai, Chairman of Network18, said, “Acquisition of 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 around the country, and this is another step in that direction. Our multi-lingual bouquet of TV and Digital platforms continue to strengthen their positions across markets, putting us in a strong position to benefit from the upside potential of the initiatives recently undertaken by the government to boost consumer demand.”
Network18 continues to diversify its business model with new digital and content-led initiatives, driving growth. Moneycontrol’s fintech offerings have gained significant traction, with lending emerging as a key driver. In a major development, Moneycontrol announced a partnership with HDFC Bank, India’s largest private sector bank, at the Global Fintech Festival 2025. This is another step in the direction of Moneycontrol establishing itself as India’s largest and most trusted financial destination.
Creator18, Network18’s new vertical, is rapidly building one of India’s largest content creator ecosystems. It crafts impactful influencer marketing campaigns, social, and video first growth strategies. Creator18 also manages a roster of social media content creators, many of them on an exclusive basis, and has already engaged with 1,000+ creators across platforms. Creator18 is expanding the advertising reach of Network18 and will help the Company venture into news adjacent categories including culture, commerce, and fashion.
Network18’s extensive portfolio of 20 television channels, including 14 regional ones, continues to make it India’s largest TV news network in terms of both reach and viewership. During the first half of the financial year, overall revenue growth remained broadly flat year-on-year. Given that the first quarter of the previous fiscal benefited from election-linked advertising, this performance underscores the resilience and operational strength of the network. In light of the softer revenue environment, the company maintained prudent cost control, keeping operating expenses flat during the period.
Network18 Media & Investments Limited remains one of India’s leading media and entertainment conglomerates, with a strong portfolio spanning television, digital, and allied businesses. Through its national and regional brands such as CNBC-TV18, News18 India, CNN-News18, and Moneycontrol, the company continues to inform, inspire, and engage millions of viewers and readers across the country.
