Network18 has reported a 10.3% year-on-year increase in consolidated operating revenue to ₹516 crore for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, with advertising emerging as a key growth driver during the period. The company has attributed the performance to higher advertising spends during the state elections in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.
The company has said that advertising demand from the Centre, state governments, political parties and public sector undertakings has increased sharply during the quarter. However, non-government advertising inventory across the industry has declined by more than 10% year-on-year, as per the investor update. Corporate advertising spends have also been impacted by the West Asia conflict and expectations of a weak monsoon.
Despite the broader industry slowdown, Network18 has reported around 2% growth in non-government advertising inventory consumption. Overall ad inventory consumption has grown 10% year-on-year, compared to an industry growth of 3%, while monetisation from Connected TV has also increased during the quarter. The company has said its diversified portfolio has helped maintain advertising revenue momentum despite the continued suspension of television viewership ratings.
Network18 has also remained India’s largest digital news and information network, recording a monthly reach of over 350 million users. It has continued to lead digital news consumption across platforms, while reporting strong engagement across YouTube and Connected TV.
The company has reported that consolidated operating expenses have increased 9.7% year-on-year to ₹509 crore, primarily due to annual employee increments, while consolidated operating EBITDA has risen to ₹8 crore from ₹4 crore in the corresponding quarter last year.
Adil Zainulbhai, Chairman, Network18, said: “The quarter gone by was a mixed one, for us as well as the industry. While on one hand, state elections gave a boost to advertising revenue, the ongoing geopolitical conflict and weak monsoon forecast were dampeners for the macroeconomic mood. Government interventions on the viewership ratings have also been negative for the sentiments of the industry. Despite these developments, we are fully focused on making our products better by ensuring that they serve their consumers effectively, so that when the macro environment improves, we are in the right position to benefit from it.”
