NDTV cuts operating loss in Q1 FY14

NDTV Profit set for to be relaunched in a new format – a business channel covering markets during the day, and high viewership programming in the evening

BestMediaInfo Bureau | Delhi | August 6, 2013

NDTV has reported improved operational performance during the quarter ended June 30, 2013 (Q1 FY14). Net distribution income has turned positive for NDTV Group (consolidated) and NDTV News. Operating losses came down to Rs 12 crore in Q1, which is seasonally the worst quarter of the year. Net losses reduced from Rs 26 crore to Rs 24 crore on a y-o- basis.

This quarter has seen one-time expenses related to NDTV Profit restructuring, and the launch of Indian Roots, an ecommerce initiative. The quarter also saw timing issues, such as the postponement of key TV projects to later in the year. Adjusting for the above, operational performance has registered a significant improvement.

Traditionally, the April to June quarter is seasonally unfavourable for the media industry. This has been exacerbated by the economic downturn. Further, some of the benefits of Phase I and Phase II digitisation – substantial reduction in carriage fees and significant increase in subscription revenues – are yet to fully accrue.

Plans are underway to relaunch NDTV Profit. Phase I of restructuring process is complete with the channel moving from Mumbai to Delhi. The shift is aimed at enhancing group synergies and containing expenses. After programming changes, Profit is already seeing higher viewership, and a 43 per cent increase in revenue.

Phase II will see the channel continue to remain a business channel, during the day time. However, in the evening, it will transform into a completely new channel. The new channel is expected to launch within the next few months.

Speaking on the plans, Vikram Chandra, Group CEO, NDTV, said, “We are excited at the imminent relaunch of NDTV Profit. We are working on a unique concept. A business channel only attracts viewership in the day, when the markets are open. The relaunched channel will cover markets during the day, and high viewership programming in the evening. This enables us to tap into two primetime bands.” 

NDTV launched www.indianroots.com, an e-commerce venture, offering premium Indian ethnic brands, designs and creations to Indians across the globe. A wide array of products are available on the site, ranging from ethnic wear to bags to work accessories, from renowned designers including Raw Mango, Anita Dongre, Malini Ramani, Meera and Muzaffar Ali, to name some. The beta site has gone live and has been receiving healthy traction.

NDTV is the first Indian company to have 1 million followers on Twitter. Revenue of NDTV Convergence, which operates the internet and mobile business of the group, grew by 55 per cent over the same quarter last year. NDTV Convergence reaffirmed its leadership in apps and www.ndtv.comremains India's leading news website.

NDTV channels continue to be home to India's leading anchors and journalists – in the English and Hindi news genre. NDTV news channels are respected for their credibility. Ravish Kumar was conferred with the 'Journalist of the Year – Broadcast' award at the Ramnath Goenka Awards for Excellence in Journalism.

NDTV Good Times, a pioneer in India's lifestyle genre, received recognition at the Indian Telly Awards.

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