Dear Shareholders,
I am honoured to present NDTV's Annual Report for the financial year
ended March 31, 2025. As India's role in the global economy continues to rise, its voice
on the world stage has become more influential than ever. As the nation's premier news
network, we take pride in shaping narratives with insightful, fact-based journalism that
not only informs but also engages, empowers, and connects audiences across India and
beyond.
While the global economy showed resilience amid inflationary pressures,
geopolitical uncertainties and shifting trade dynamics, industries worldwide continue to
navigate these challenges. India, emerging as one of the fastest-growing economies,
experienced a slight slowdown in FY 2024-25; however, its long-term fundamentals remain
robust. Driven by significant infrastructure development, a thriving digital economy, and
progressive policy reforms, India is poised to become a major global economic powerhouse.
These shifts are also reshaping media consumption as technological advancements and a
growing preference for digital content transform how information is accessed and shared.
At NDTV, we have embraced this transformation, investing in technology,
infrastructure, and editorial excellence to strengthen our position as India's most
trusted news network and a global digital leader.
Embracing Change to Expand Influence
With India expected to surpass 900 million internet users by 2025,
digital-first consumption is accelerating.
We expanded our digital reach with a 41% surge, alongside television
broadcast spanning across 65 countries, while enhancing user experience and leveraging
AI-driven insights for deeper engagement. However, even as content consumption shifts to
mobile-first platforms, we remain committed to balanced, in-depth journalism across
television and digital.
One of the most significant milestones this year was the launch of NDTV
World, a dedicated digital-first global news platform that brings India's perspective on
global affairs. With shifting global power dynamics and India's growing economic
influence, there is an increasing demand - both within India and among the global diaspora
- for news that reflects India's viewpoint and covers India's impact on the world.
We see this as an important opportunity to redefine our role in both
Indian and global media, building a news powerhouse with the ability to report from Agra
to Alabama - delivering trusted, insightful journalism that resonates across borders.
Resilience Amid Industry Disruptions
Despite consolidations and cautious investments, the Indian Media &
Entertainment (M&E) sector remains a key economic driver, projected to grow at a CAGR
of 10% (2023-26), reaching 3.1 trillion by 2026. New media will dominate with a 61% share,
fuelled by technological advancements that enhance content delivery and audience
engagement.
Adapting to this evolving landscape, we took a forward-looking
approach, integrating cutting-edge technology, newsroom digitisation, and editorial
independence to navigate market volatility. We also diversified content, expanded
distribution, and strengthened our digital infrastructure, reinforcing our leadership in a
rapidly transforming industry.
Commitment to Trust and Ethical Journalism
At a time when misinformation and AI-generated content threaten media
credibility, our strongest asset holds onto trustworthiness. Our editorial integrity is
non-negotiable. Every report, story, and investigation is verified, human-led, and
fact-checked to uphold our legacy of truth-driven journalism. We take immense pride when
our audiences say, "If it's on NDTV, it must be correct".
Beyond reporting, our influence extends into social impact, through
initiatives in education, environmental sustainability, and community development. Through
meaningful campaigns and strategic partnerships, we leverage our platform to drive
awareness, engagement, and positive change.
Looking Ahead
As we move forward, our vision remains clear to be a trusted,
influential, and forward-thinking media organisation that not only informs but also
engages, empowers, and connects audiences across India and the world. With India's growing
global stature, we are committed to expanding Indian media's influence on the world stage
- bringing the world to India and taking India to the world.
Our consistent investments in state-of-the-art infrastructure, advanced
technology, and expanded distribution channels clearly show our commitment to growth and
innovation.
As these projects mature, we are confident they will enhance the
audience experience, strengthen our network, and create enduring benefits.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our Board members, employees,
partners, shareholders and viewers, whose dedication and trust continue to inspire our
journey. Together, we look ahead to a future where NDTV remains a beacon of impactful, and
globally relevant journalism.
Warm regards,
Upendra Kumar Sinha
Chairperson