Media Sector

Sapphire Media Limited has successfully acquired Reliance Broadcast Network Ltd. (RBNL), the parent company of Big FM 92.7, through a structured insolvency resolution process. Backed by entrepreneurs Sahil Mangla and Aditya Vashistha, the acquisition marks a strategic milestone in India’s media landscape. The deal, valued at Rs 261 crore, was approved by the National Company Law Tribunal and upheld by the appellate authority despite multiple challenges.

India has blocked access to the X (formerly Twitter) accounts of Chinese state-run media outlets, Global Times and Xinhua, within its jurisdiction following a legal request. The move reflects growing scrutiny of foreign influence over digital platforms and aligns with India’s evolving regulatory stance on content moderation and national security. While the exact grounds for the restriction remain undisclosed, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has not responded to queries seeking clarification.

DB Corp Ltd, one of India's foremost media conglomerates, reported a significant decline in earnings for the final quarter of FY25, with consolidated net profit plummeting 57.3% year-over-year to Rs. 52.33 crore. This drop was accompanied by an 11.25% decrease in operating revenue, reflecting broader challenges in the traditional print media segment. The company’s shares reacted sharply to the earnings report, falling over 15% on the BSE.

JioStar, the newly formed media juggernaut from the merger of Reliance’s media division and Walt Disney’s India operations, has quickly become a dominant force in India’s entertainment ecosystem. In its inaugural earnings disclosure, the company reported Rs. 10,006 crore in revenue and Rs. 774 crore in pre-tax earnings. Its flagship streaming service, JioHotstar—launched in February 2025—crossed 100 million paid subscribers within five weeks.

New Delhi Television Ltd. (NDTV) reported a consolidated net loss of Rs 61.97 crore for the fourth quarter ending March 2025, marking a significant shift from the net profit of Rs 8.68 crore reported in the same period last year. The company’s total income rose by 8.28% during the quarter, driven by high-impact national coverage and popular programming. However, increased investments in modernizing infrastructure and expanding its digital and production ecosystems contributed to a wider financial loss.

NDTV (New Delhi Television Limited) has appointed veteran journalist Rahul Kanwal as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Key Managerial Personnel, effective June 16, 2025. With over 25 years of experience in journalism, including anchoring, election analysis, and investigative reporting, Kanwal's appointment marks a significant move for the company.

Network18 Media & Investments Ltd has announced a consolidated net loss of Rs  29.09 crore for the March 2025 quarter, showing a significant improvement from a loss of Rs 195.68 crore in the same period the previous year. Despite challenges in the advertising environment, particularly in the TV news segment, the company has seen growth in its digital advertising revenues. The merger with Viacom18, as well as significant restructuring, led to exceptional financial adjustments.