DEAR SHAREHOLDERS,
The year gone by was one of many milestones for Network18, and just as
importantly, one of laying the foundation for many others that we hope to achieve in the
future. Network18 became India's #1 TV news network and attained leadership on
digital front as well. We continue to build momentum through a combination of thoughtful
strategy and disciplined execution, reinforcing our position as the news network of choice
for millions across India.
Our presence today spans multiple languages, genres, and platforms,
bound by a common thread of commitment to integrity, trust, and consumer focus. A
testament to our growing relevance, in a connected world where boundaries between
platforms are blurring, is our dominant positions in both linear and digital domains, in a
highly crowded market. This growth is driven by a careful execution of strategy which has
resulted in a step-by-step growth in viewership share across both national and regional
markets, powered by consistent editorial excellence and deep consumer engagement.
As consumption habits evolve, so does the industry landscape, with
competition no longer defined solely by traditional players. The rise of mobile-first
audiences, a camera in every hand which has democratized content creation and the
increasing influence of AI has redefined the dynamics of how, where, and when people
engage with media. In such a dynamic environment, the need for trustworthy and reliable
news is more pressing than ever. That is why we continue to invest judiciously in
technology and content with clarity and conviction – not just to stay relevant but to
lead. We have expanded our editorial footprint to widen the surface area of coverage and
deepened expertise across core domains such as geopolitics, policy, business and finance.
Our tech-first approach is reflected in new product features, newsroom automation, and
seamless digital delivery, all while preserving the editorial rigor that defines
Network18.
Our platform-agnostic operating model remains a strategic strength with
integrated teams across TV, digital, social, and other connected platforms enabling us to
tell stories, consistently and compellingly, regardless of where the audience is. This
synergy enhances speed, reach, and quality, strengthening both consumer connect and
advertiser confidence. We are also expanding our universe of partnerships, unlocking
growth through collaborations that span content, distribution, and monetization. A notable
area of focus has been creating holistic content-driven brand solutions for our customers
instead of relying solely on traditional advertising. We are also exploiting third-party
platforms to drive consumption and monetization of our content. Additionally, our entry
into fintech and increased focus on subscription-based offerings is helping diversify our
business and reducing dependency on advertising, which is inherently cyclical in nature.
At the same time, it also helps us empower our consumers with solutions and products that
give them an edge compared to others.
The macro-economic landscape during FY 2024-25 was marked by persisting
challenges of muted consumer sentiment, which led to a subdued advertising environment
across the industry. Despite the headwinds, Network18 delivered a resilient performance.
Operating revenue grew by 4.3% year-on-year, supported by strong audience engagement
across platforms.
Our brands continued to gain traction with consumers, reinforcing the
network's position as a trusted source of news and analysis. Operating profit
recorded marginal improvement as we maintained a prudent control on costs in the backdrop
of a challenging revenue environment.
The media sector is undergoing tectonic changes driven by widespread
smartphone adoption and rising internet access. This presents long-term growth
opportunities for companies like us with a proven legacy of building India's leading
news destinations. These changes are also bringing new issues such as content overload,
content discovery challenges, and the need for trusted and brand-safe environments. At
Network18, we see these challenges as an opportunity to lead and shape the industry.
Backed by a trusted editorial ecosystem and a robust multi-platform presence, we are
well-positioned to deliver credible, high-quality content across every consumer
touchpoint. As digital fuels future growth, we are equally encouraged by our renewed
momentum in regional television markets, which remain a key pillar of our strategy.
Aligned with our long-term vision, we continue to invest in building future-ready
capabilities. Our long-term strategy is anchored in becoming India's most trusted,
innovative, and digitally agile news organization, with a stronghold across regional and
national markets.
We continue to uphold the highest standards of governance and are
taking steps to enhance diversity, digital responsibility, and transparency across all
levels of the organization. We are proud to be a company that is ‘One of a Kind'
in its scale and integrity – and at the same time, ‘One of Many Kinds',
representing the voices, realities, and aspirations of a diverse nation.
I look forward to your continued support as we take this mission
forward.
Adil Zainulbhai
Chairman