Network18 delivered a steady performance in Q3 FY26, reporting a 5% year-on-year rise in operating revenue to ₹500 crore, even as the broader advertising market remained subdued. The growth was achieved against an industry backdrop where TV news advertising inventory demand declined by over 10% year-on-year, highlighting the network’s relative resilience.
Financial Performance:
For the first nine months of the financial year, Network18 posted revenue growth of 2.4%, despite a high base driven by election-related advertising in the previous year. Prudent cost management remained a key focus during the period, with operating expenses rising only marginally in line with the softer revenue environment.
Adil Zainulbhai, Chairman of Network18, said the network continues to outperform industry trends despite macroeconomic challenges, adding that recent government measures aimed at boosting consumption could provide tailwinds for media companies in the coming quarters.
During the quarter, Network18 strengthened its market position through several strategic initiatives. Creator18, its creator-led advertising vertical, expanded its roster to more than 60 exclusive creators, collectively delivering an unduplicated reach of over 2 billion. The platform has enabled brands such as Swiggy, Samsung and OpenAI to scale their social media outreach, while also contributing to Network18’s content pipeline.
Digital remained a key growth driver, with Moneycontrol reinforcing its leadership in business news. The platform recorded significantly higher engagement than its nearest competitors, while Moneycontrol Pro crossed one million paid subscribers, consolidating its position as India’s largest digital news subscription service. The network also renewed its long-standing partnership with CNN International for another 10 years.
Across television and digital platforms, Network18 maintained its position as India’s leading news network, reaching nearly 300 million digital users each month and over 230 million TV viewers, supported by strong leadership across national and regional news markets.
