Network18 Media & Investments Limited has reported robust financial performance for the second quarter, recording a 7.2% year-on-year (YoY) increase in standalone operating revenue. The growth was primarily propelled by the strong performance of its new business segments, particularly within its burgeoning digital and fintech verticals, demonstrating resilience in an otherwise challenging advertising environment for traditional media.
The media conglomerate’s standalone operating revenue for its news business in the quarter ended September 30, 2025 (Q2 FY2025–26), rose to ₹477 crore (up from ₹445.3 crore a year earlier). This significant uptick comes despite a continued soft advertising market and a decline in overall TV news industry inventory demand. The company managed to offset this industry-wide weakness through improved pricing yields and its strong operating position across key regional markets.
The core of Network18’s impressive revenue growth stems from its strategic diversification beyond traditional television advertising.
- Moneycontrol’s Fintech Vertical: The financial news platform, Moneycontrol, has shown exceptional momentum, with its fintech vertical emerging as a major growth driver. This includes a robust performance in lending and new product offerings. The platform is actively expanding its subscription-based services and analytical tools for investors, further solidifying its dominant position in the financial news space.
- Creator18 Ecosystem: The newly launched Creator18 vertical is rapidly establishing one of India’s largest content creator ecosystems, focused on crafting impactful influencer marketing campaigns and social/video-first growth strategies. This expansion is crucial for broadening Network18’s advertising reach into adjacent categories like culture, commerce, and fashion, tapping into the high-growth digital advertising landscape.
Network18 also reinforced its commitment to regional dominance during the quarter. The company strengthened its presence in the key Marathi market through the full acquisition of the remaining stake in IBN Lokmat News Pvt. Ltd., making News18 Lokmat a wholly owned subsidiary. News18 Lokmat is a market leader in the Marathi news segment and has demonstrated consistent revenue growth.
The network’s extensive portfolio, which includes 20 television channels (including 14 regional channels), maintains its position as India’s largest TV news network in terms of reach and viewership. The robust performance across its multi-lingual digital and television platforms positions the company to capitalize on the anticipated upside potential from government initiatives aimed at boosting consumer demand.
Overall, the Q2 results underscore Network18’s operational strength and a successful pivot towards a digital-first, diversified revenue model that is poised for long-term growth.
Key Highlights:
- Strong Revenue Growth: Network18 recorded a significant 7.2% YoY increase in standalone operating revenue for its news business in Q2 FY2025–26, reaching ₹477 crore.
- New Segments Drive Performance: The primary growth catalyst was the rapid expansion of new business segments, especially the fintech vertical of Moneycontrol (with focus on lending) and the new Creator18 content and influencer marketing ecosystem.
- Resilience in Soft Market: The revenue growth was achieved despite a challenging soft advertising environment and a decline in overall TV news industry inventory volumes, largely mitigated by improved pricing and strategic market positioning.
- Regional Expansion: The company bolstered its regional media footprint by fully acquiring the remaining stake in the market-leading Marathi news channel, News18 Lokmat.