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Tag: Viacom18

  • Network18’s financial performance reflects mixed trends amidst restructuring

    Network18’s financial performance reflects mixed trends amidst restructuring

    MUMBAI: Network18’s financial results for the year ended 31 March 2025 present a complex picture, marked by operational challenges and the impact of strategic restructuring activities. The company has reported a net loss, but this is juxtaposed with substantial gains from exceptional items.

    Revenue from operations shows a slight decrease, indicating some pressure on the company’s core business activities.
    * Revenue from operations increased  to Rs 1,896.21 crore from Rs 1,817.73 crore in the previous year. 
    * The primary component, value of sales and services, was Rs 2,206.87 crore, compared to Rs  2,114.86 crore in the previous year.
    * Other income contributed a smaller amount, Rs 16.75 crore, down from Rs 18.70 crore. 

    Expenses increased, impacting profitability.
    * Total expenses rose to Rs   2,197.81 crore from Rs 2,086.95 crore. 
    * Key expense categories include: 
    o Operational costs: Rs 402.66 crore (previous year: Rs 381.35 crore) 
    o Marketing, distribution, and promotional expense: 478.24 crore (previous year: Rs 428.12 crore) 
    o Employee Benefits Expense: Rs 729.99 crore (previous year: Rs 702.68 crore) 
    o Finance costs:  Rs 213.42 crore (previous year: Rs 186.20 crore) 
    o Depreciation and amortisation expense: Rs 121.66 crore (previous year: Rs 101.02 crore) 
    o Other expenses: Rs  251.84 crore  (previous year: Rs  287.58 crore) 

    The company’s profitability was affected, but exceptional items provided a substantial offset.
    * Profit/ (Loss) before exceptional items and tax was a loss of Rs (284.85) crore, compared to a loss of Rs (250.52) crore in the previous year. 
    * However, the company recorded exceptional items of Rs 3,498.21 crore. 
    * This resulted in a profit/ (loss) before tax of Rs 3,213.36 crore, compared to Rs (250.52) crore in the previous year. 
    * After accounting for tax, the profit/ (loss) for the Period/Year was Rs 3,213.36 crore, compared to a loss of Rs 185.41 crore in the previous year. 

    The composite scheme of arrangement involving Viacom18, Digital18, and Star India has significantly reshaped the company’s structure.  The sale of shares in Indiacast Media Distribution Private Limited and changes in the shareholding of Viacom18 contributed to the exceptional items. 

    Network18’s financial performance reflects a period of transition.

    (updated 19 April at 11:40 am) 

    The company issued a press release on 19 April which reads as follows: 

    MUMBAI: Network18 Media & Investments Ltd’s standalone operating revenue for the news business rose 4.3 percent to Rs 1,896 crore in the year ended March 31, while operating EBITDA nearly doubled to Rs 33 crore, led by tight cost control, stronger ad pricing and viewership gains.

    Growth in operating EBITDA was aided by its expanding viewership and gains in advertising pricing. The network continued to lead in Hindi, English, and Business News segments, while also rising to leadership in Marathi and Bengali markets.

    In the fiscal fourth quarter, the company reported an operating EBITDA of Rs 13 crore for its standalone news business, showing resilience amid a subdued advertising environment and a high base from election-driven revenues a year ago. EBITDA margin widened to 2.6 percent in the fourth quarter from 2.2 percent in the preceding three months. Standalone operating revenue rose 9.5 percent quarter-on-quarter to Rs 522 crore. Operating expenses rose 3 percent to Rs 508 crore from a year earlier.

    Q4 Standalone loss narrows

    The company posted a standalone loss of Rs 69 crore for Q4 FY25. That compares with the Rs 31 crore loss in the year-ago period. Total standalone income stood at Rs 524 crore, up from Rs 484 crore in Q3 but lower than Rs 537 crore in Q4 FY24. The quarter saw muted advertising spends across the TV news industry, with inventory consumption falling 15 percent YoY, although the company maintained traction in digital ad revenues.

    Network18 ended the year as India’s top TV news network with a 14.1 percent all-India market share and a weekly reach of over 180 million viewers. Viewership share rose 330 basis points year-on-year, driven by strong gains in regional markets. News18 Lokmat and News18 Bangla climbed to the number 1 position in their respective states, while News18 Kannada emerged as a strong number 2, more than doubling its market share. Moneycontrol, continued to strengthen its position. Moneycontrol Pro remained India’s largest subscription-based financial platform, crossing over 1 million paid subscribers and ranking among the top 15 globally.

    The company also retained leadership in key national genres with News18 India as the top Hindi news channel, CNBC-TV18 leading the business news space, and CNN-News18 topping English news.

    The company’s consolidated financials reflected the impact of its restructuring deal involving Viacom18, Digital18, and Star India. Network18 recorded an exceptional loss of Rs 1,436 crore on the consolidated books due to the derecognition of Viacom18 as a subsidiary and sale of Indiacast. This led to a consolidated net loss of Rs 1,777 crore for FY25 despite strong operating performance in the core news segment.

    Chairman Adil Zainulbhai said: “We are really happy to end the fiscal on a strong note as the largest news network in the country on all fronts—viewership share, audience reach and language footprint. Despite short-term macro headwinds, we are confident in the company’s long-term growth trajectory.”

  • Glance recruits digital exec Lalwani

    Glance recruits digital exec Lalwani

    MUMBAI: Tarun Lalwani has jumped ship from JioStar to take up the role of director of strategic partnerships, content strategy and design at Glance, the mobile lock screen platform.

    The move comes after a remarkably brief five-month stint at JioStar, where Lalwani served as senior director of digital licensing and partnerships following the merger of streaming services JioCinema and Hotstar.

    Lalwani brings a packed portfolio of digital content experience to his new position. Before his lightning-quick tenure at JioStar, he spent over three years at Viacom18, where he climbed to senior director overseeing digital licensing, strategic partnerships, user growth and content partnerships.

    His CV reads like a who’s who of India’s digital entertainment landscape, with previous roles at ESPN, Hotstar, IndiaCast and Wizcraft International Entertainment.

    At Glance, which transforms smartphone lock screens into content discovery platforms, Lalwani will likely leverage his extensive experience in forging partnerships across the digital content ecosystem.

  • One Life Studios brings in syndication veteran Govind Shahi as strategic advisor to sharpen global playbook

    One Life Studios brings in syndication veteran Govind Shahi as strategic advisor to sharpen global playbook

    MUMBAI: In a plot twist worthy of its own primetime drama, One Life Studios has just cast a syndication superstar in a key behind-the-scenes role. The content licensing and syndication powerhouse has brought on board industry heavyweight Govind Shahi as strategic advisor. And no, this isn’t just another boardroom shuffle—it’s a strategic power move with its eyes on the global prize.

    Announced on 24 March 2025, the appointment comes as One Life Studios doubles down on its mission to take Indian storytelling to far-flung corners of the globe. With a legacy of distributing epic serials like Mahabharat, Porus and RadhaKrishn, the company is already India’s leading ambassador of mythological multiverses.

    Shahi, previously international business head at Viacom18’s Indiacast, knows the international syndication game like the back of his remote control. Under his watch. And now, with Shahi in the driver’s seat, One Life Studios plans to fast-track its global conquest.

    “At One Life Studios, our mission has always been to take powerful Indian stories to the world while curating exceptional global content for Indian audiences. Govind’s deep understanding of international markets and his strategic expertise make him the perfect partner to help us accelerate this vision. We are excited to have him join us as we continue to push boundaries and bring great stories to viewers everywhere,” said One Life Studios CEO & founder Siddharth Kumar Tewary.

    Clearly, the company isn’t looking to paint by numbers. With a robust content library featuring short films, infotainment, movies, digital and television shows, One Life Studios has been building a content arsenal since 2017 that could rival any OTT behemoth.

    Shahi, in his new role, stated: “I am excited to collaborate with the team at One Life Studios. As the company expands its boundaries and enters a further growth phase, my focus will be on leveraging my experience to elevate its global presence and accelerate expansion into emerging markets, forging key partnerships. I look forward to bringing the studio’s creative vision to international audiences and pioneering new standards in the industry.”

    If the strategy pans out, this won’t just be a boost for One Life Studios—it’ll be a win for Indian storytelling across continents. With the global content bazaar more crowded than a Mumbai local, this is a well-timed wicket.

    With Shahi’s appointment, One Life Studios is eyeing expansion with a sharper, savvier playbook. Acquiring, licensing, and distributing premium content isn’t just their business model—it’s their battleground. And now, with a seasoned general on board, they’re ready to win the next global content war.

  • Mayank Dayal joins Gujarat Titans as marketing head

    Mayank Dayal joins Gujarat Titans as marketing head

    MUMBAI: From marketing TV sports channels  to  building a cricket franchise team. That’s the leap that Mayank Dayal has taken. Dayal has been hired as marketing head at Gujarat Titans. He  brings over two decades of strategic marketing experience across major media and sports brands, including Sony Pictures Networks India, Viacom18, and Star India.

    In his new role, Dayal will lead brand growth and fan engagement strategies, driving innovative marketing initiatives to strengthen Gujarat Titans’ identity both on and off the field. He will oversee content development, partnerships, social media expansion, and matchday experiences.

    Previously, Dayal served as sports marketing head at Sony Pictures Networks, where he played a pivotal role in enhancing the brand’s footprint. His tenure at Viacom18 saw successful campaigns for Comedy Central and Nickelodeon, while at Star India, he developed brand integration strategies for key advertisers.

    Dayal’s extensive expertise and innovative vision are expected to propel Gujarat Titans’ ambitions to become one of the most engaging and entertaining franchises in the IPL ecosystem. Said he: “I’m beyond excited to step into my next adventure—leading marketing for Gujarat Titans. This isn’t just a role for me; it’s a dream opportunity. To be at the heart of the business side of sport, in a sport I have loved and played, is an exhilarating challenge. And in cricket, there is no bigger stage than the IPL.”

  • Arunava Chakraborty shifts to JioStar Digital as account director

    Arunava Chakraborty shifts to JioStar Digital as account director

    MUMBAI: JioStar Digital has shifted  Arunava Chakraborty as account director for large client solutions (LCS), where he will lead the BFSI category in the western region. His role involves managing prominent clients such as HDFC, ICICI Bank, SBI, and Kotak Mahindra, while driving business growth and client success alongside a team of engagement managers.

    Chakraborty brings over seven years of experience in media sales, digital advertising, and brand solutions, having previously held senior roles at Viacom18 and Disney Star. 

    At Viacom18, he served as vertical lead for consumer packaged goods, infrastructure, real estate, and OEM hardware at Jio Cinema, leading growth strategies and cultivating partnerships with major industry players. Earlier, as manager for revenue and sponsorships, he oversaw FMCG clients and strategic business development.

    During his tenure at Disney Star, Chakraborty managed key accounts such as Unilever, Godrej Consumer, and Johnson & Johnson, significantly growing revenue for linear television channels. He also played a vital role in designing go-to-market strategies for the and EdTech category.

    A graduate of the Heritage Institute of Technology, Kolkata, Chakraborty holds a postgraduate diploma in digital business from Columbia Business School, where he earned distinction as an Emeritus Scholar.

  • Anil Kumar joins Skandha Media as director of growth & biz development

    Anil Kumar joins Skandha Media as director of growth & biz development

    MUMBAI:  Cloud-based playout, broadcast, and OTT solutions provider Skandha Media Services has appointed Anil Kumar as director of growth and business development.

    Kumar brings over seven years of industry experience, having previously served as director of SaaS, south Asia at TVU Networks and India sales head at Amagi. He has contributed to high-profile projects with leading brands including Warner Bros. Discovery, Viacom18, Samsung TV  Plus, IndiaTV, and Shemaroo.

    In his new role, Kumar will spearhead Skandha’s growth strategy by driving adoption of its cloud and AI-powered ad monetisation tools within general entertainment and news platforms, while expanding its live sports streaming customer base. He will focus on gathering client insights, forging new technology partnerships, and expanding the company’s reseller network.

    Skandha Media Services founder & CEO Yogesh Salian said: “Anil’s proven track record in sales, data-driven decision-making, and his extensive industry network will be invaluable as we strategically broaden our presence across south Asia and beyond.”

    Said Kumar: “Skandha’s culture of creativity, leadership, and its reputation for delivering first-class playout services for major events like those on Disney+ Hotstar and JioCinema were key factors in my decision. I look forward to contributing to its continued growth.”

    Kumar holds a bachelor of engineering from BIT Sindri Engineering College and an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management Lucknow, where he was recognised as “the most creative mind” on campus. He is also a published author, sketch artist, and mentor to young professionals.

  • Swift TV Teams Up with Viacom18, Bloomberg, India TV and SoFast to Transform India’s Free Streaming TV Scene with 100+ Channels

    Swift TV Teams Up with Viacom18, Bloomberg, India TV and SoFast to Transform India’s Free Streaming TV Scene with 100+ Channels

    MUMBAI: Swift TV has hit a major milestone in India’s streaming space, expanding its platform to feature top-tier channels like Viacom18, Bloomberg, India TV, and more. As one of the fastest-growing free entertainment platforms in the country, Swift TV now offers over 100 live channels-cementing its status as a key player in the ad-supported streaming industry.

    By forging partnerships with major content providers, including Viacom18, India TV, SoFast, and Bloomberg, the platform is shaping up to be a go-to destination for viewers looking for premium, diverse content—without the burden of subscription fees.

    A Growing Powerhouse Backed by Industry Leaders

    Swift TV’s rapid expansion is fueled by collaborations with some of the biggest names in entertainment and news. Viacom18 brings a range of popular TV content, from MTV’s reality show to the renowned Coke Studio. India TV strengthens the news segment with in-depth, 360-degree coverage. Meanwhile, SoFast, a rising player in the global FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV) industry, enhances content variety, and Bloomberg ensures access to high-quality financial and business news.

    A Unique Content Library That Sets It Apart

    What makes Swift TV stand out is its dynamic mix of content that goes beyond conventional TV channels. The platform features exclusive, self-created channels tailored to modern viewers, including dedicated E-sports channels for gaming enthusiasts, History Connect for compelling historical narratives, and a variety of podcasts covering interviews and financial education.

    In addition, collaborations with digital content creators like FilterCopy bring fresh, relatable entertainment to the FAST channel lineup, making Swift TV’s content library one-of-a-kind in the market.

    Bringing the Experience to Bigger Screens with a New CTV App

    To meet the growing demand for Connected TV (CTV) content, Swift TV is launching its own CTV app this February. This move will bring its extensive channel lineup to smart TVs, offering users an enhanced viewing experience on larger screens. With the increasing adoption of CTVs, this expansion positions Swift TV as an even more appealing choice for those seeking free, high-quality entertainment.

    A Rapidly Growing User Base

    Since its launch, Swift TV has quickly gained traction, attracting over 500,000 active users. This surge in popularity highlights the strong demand for free, high-quality entertainment in a market dominated by subscription-based OTT platforms. The ad-supported model allows users to enjoy premium content without any fees, making Swift TV a strong contender in India’s competitive streaming landscape.

    What’s Next? Bold Plans for the Future

    Swift TV has ambitious plans to further expand its content offerings. Next month, the platform will introduce 8-10 new specialized podcast channels, catering to a range of interests. Additionally, strategic talks are in progress with leading OTT platforms to bring exclusive FAST channels, offering even more premium content to viewers.

    Recognizing the growing appetite for international entertainment, Swift TV is also working on launching dedicated channels for K-dramas and C-dramas, ensuring global content is easily accessible to Indian audiences.

    With its aggressive expansion strategy, commitment to diverse content, and user-friendly approach—all without subscription costs—Swift TV is well on its way to becoming a powerhouse in India’s streaming industry.
     

  • Sameer Gogate returns to Viacom18 as Colors business head

    Sameer Gogate returns to Viacom18 as Colors business head

    MUMBAI: When general manager Sameer Gogate put in his papers at BBC Studios, it was not clear why and where he was headed. Why would someone give up a plum secure job working with the Beeb which many an executive joins with a retirement plan in mind?

    That clarity came in mid-this week, when whispers started that he was actually heading back to his alma mater – Viacom18 – now called JioStar, followed the merger  with Disney Star India. 

    But what would he be doing there, was the question? Isn’t the company extremely top heavy with so many bosses that not even department executives know who is reporting to whom and who has the responsibility for a particular function?

    That clarity too came when Gogate’s responsibility was leaked. He would be in charge of the business of Colors, Viacom18’s star channel.  In his new role, Gogate will report to Alok Jain, head of cluster entertainment at JioStar.

    For the record, Gogate joining Viacom18 is like returning home for him  as he was once deeply embedded in its ecosystem. He was director of commercial and syndication, overseeing content syndication, film acquisitions, and co-productions for Viacom18 Motion Pictures and he also had a position at Colors, where  he managed music and format licensing, talent management, and group commercial strategy a few years ago.

    Gogate brings a wealth of experience from his time at BBC Studios, where he played a pivotal role since 2019 in producing local adaptations of popular BBC formats, including multiple seasons of Criminal Justice and Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa (Dancing with the Stars). He also oversaw the creation of original series such as Highway Love, Ishq in the Air, School of Lies, and Tujhpe Main Fida. Among his recent successes was the IMDb top-ten hit, The Shekhar Suman Show.

    Prior to BBC Studios, Gogate worked at Vuclip as Head of Monetisation, Commercial, and Distribution, where he managed revenue operations and key content partnerships. He also held senior roles at Eros International Media, Endemol India, Viacom18, and EY. 

    Meanwhile, following Gogate’s departure, BBC Studios India has announced an interim leadership arrangement. Deepa Nair, head of business and legal affairs, and Sachin Mahajan, head of finance, will jointly oversee the production team in India. Stanley Fernandes will continue leading the channels & streaming and content sales divisions for India and South Asia. The company has yet to announce a permanent successor for Gogate.

  • Aaron Mascarenhas transitions to JioStar as Hindi movies strategy & acquisitions head

    Aaron Mascarenhas transitions to JioStar as Hindi movies strategy & acquisitions head

    MUMBAI:  JioStar has announced the tranisition of Aaron Mascarenhas as the new head of Hindi movies strategy & acquisitions (digital). 

    With a robust background in commercial negotiations, content management, and acquisitions, Mascarenhas brings over a decade of media experience to his new role.

    Prior to  JioStar, Mascarenhas served as associate vice president of content acquisitions & strategy at Viacom18, and held senior positions at Amazon’s MX Player, LeEco, and Zee Entertainment. 

    He holds a master’s degree in marketing and advertising from Alliance Manchester Business School and a bachelor’s degree in management Studies from the University of Mumbai.
     

  • Network18’s rollercoaster Q3: Cash crunch or clever moves?

    Network18’s rollercoaster Q3: Cash crunch or clever moves?

    MUMBAI: When Mukesh Ambani sets his sights on a business, it’s never a low-stakes affair—and the Q3 FY25 results of Reliance Industries-owned Network18 Group are no exception.

    With Rahul Joshi at the editorial helm and Adil Zainulbhai overseeing the boardroom, Network18’s quarterly performance unfolds like a high-stakes thriller, leaving analysts juggling numbers and the audience wondering: is this brilliance or blunder?

    From headline revenue twists to profit-margin cliffhangers, this quarterly report reads more like a script straight from Bollywood. So grab your popcorn because this isn’t just a financial disclosure—it’s Mukesh Ambani, once again, rewriting the playbook of India’s media landscape.

    Standalone stars & stumbles

    For Q3 FY25, Network18 pulled in Rs 476.41 crore in revenue from operations. That’s a respectable leap from last quarter’s Rs 445.27 crore, but is it really a win when Q3 FY24 wasn’t far behind at Rs 469.10 crore?

    Total income, at Rs 483.96 crore, held its ground against Rs 447.62 crore last quarter. Steady as it goes, right? Yet, for a company of this scale, one might wonder: is this pace enough to stay ahead of the competition?

    But here’s the plot twist: the company posted a net loss of Rs 66.27 crore. While better than Q2’s Rs 74.45 crore, it’s a wider hole than the Rs 43.42 crore loss in Q3 FY24.

    What’s eating into those profits?

    Higher operational costs of Rs 103.07 crore and ballooning employee expenses at Rs 181.24 crore seem to be playing the villains here. Add to this the creeping pressure of content investments, and it’s clear Network18 is juggling multiple priorities.

    Nine months in, and the company’s revenue has grown to Rs 1,374.45 crore from last year’s Rs 1,282.74 crore. But with a cumulative loss of Rs 216.37 crore, you’ve got to ask—is this progress or just treading water? Can they turn this around with their strategic pivots, or is a deeper overhaul needed?

    Consolidated chaos or calculated moves?

    The consolidated picture? Think of it as the bigger, messier sibling. Revenue from operations slipped to Rs 1,360.50 crore, down from Rs 1,825.18 crore in Q2. Total income followed suit at Rs 1,442.55 crore. Soft advertising revenues and soaring expenses seem to be the culprits here. It begs the question: are advertisers tightening their belts, or is Network18 losing its edge in attracting ad spend?

    And then there’s the elephant in the room: the Rs 1,400.05 crore net loss. Yes, you read that right.

    Exceptional items—mainly from the derecognition of subsidiaries post the Viacom18 and Star India restructuring—contributed a jaw-dropping Rs 1,425.73 crore to the loss column. Talk about exceptional! While this move may have long-term benefits, the immediate financial optics are challenging to say the least.

    So here’s the question: does shedding these subsidiaries make Network18 leaner and meaner, or just lighter in the pocket? With this dramatic restructuring, will the company’s new shape enable it to sprint ahead, or will it limp along burdened by its past?

    Operational costs for Q3 soared to Rs 682.44 crore, while marketing expenses hit Rs 340.00 crore. It’s clear the company is investing in its brand, but with employee benefits at Rs 267.78 crore, could some belt-tightening be in order? Or is it all part of a grand plan to win the long game? After all, balancing brand-building with profitability is no small feat.

    Consider this: even as costs rise, the company’s digital platforms are gaining traction. Could this be the silver lining in a stormy quarter? And how long before these investments start paying dividends?

    A key subplot of this quarter is the composite scheme of arrangement. Selling Viacom18 and other assets to Star India and Digital18 might seem like a costly move now, but will it pay off in the long run? Time’s the ultimate critic, but this bold restructuring has certainly captured attention. As part of the shakeup, Viacom18 ceased to be a subsidiary as of 30 December 2024. While this realignment adds immediate weight to the expense column, it positions the company to streamline and optimise in future quarters. Could this be Network18’s masterstroke?

    The challenges are clear: falling advertising revenue and rising content costs. But don’t count Network18 out just yet. With its digital platforms growing steadily, could we be seeing the early stages of a bold new chapter? Or is this just a trailer for more turbulent times?

    There’s also the matter of competition. In a crowded media landscape, innovation and adaptability are key. Network18’s investments in digital transformation signal ambition, but can these moves outpace rivals who are equally hungry for market share?

    Network18’s Q3 FY25 is a tale of highs, lows, and bold bets. Sure, the losses are glaring, but the strategic realignments hint at a company playing the long game. Is this a case of short-term pain for long-term gain? Or are we witnessing the opening act of a broader reckoning?

    So, will the next quarter be a comeback or another cliffhanger?