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India’s Top TV News Channels Struggle Amid Declining Revenues and Digital Disruption

India’s biggest television news networks are witnessing a major shift in financial stability as declining ad revenues, leadership exits, and the surge of digital content consumption disrupt traditional business models in 2025.

Revenue Drops for Major Indian TV News Channels

India’s broadcast news industry is under immense pressure as major players like Network18, Zee Media, and NDTV reveal mixed financial results for FY2025.

Network18, one of India’s largest media conglomerates, reported a 5.4% drop in total revenue, standing at ₹1,646 crore. The company has been facing consistent headwinds due to changing viewer habits and slower advertising demand.

Zee Media Corporation Ltd saw a 2.6% decline in revenue, bringing its earnings down to ₹621.91 crore. Ad revenues, a critical revenue stream for the network, fell by 3.8% year-on-year, contributing to the overall dip.

In contrast, NDTV (New Delhi Television Ltd) posted a 25% revenue growth, reaching ₹465.03 crore. The surge is largely credited to the company's restructuring and expansion strategies under new ownership by the Adani Group.

Despite NDTV’s growth, all three networks reported widening losses, indicating that profitability remains a core concern in the post-pandemic era.

Key Challenges Facing Indian Broadcast News Networks

Leadership Turmoil

In 2024 and early 2025, high-profile exits shook the industry. Avinash Pandey, CEO of ABP Network, and MK Anand, MD and CEO of Times Network, stepped down, hinting at deeper issues within management structures across top networks.

Digital Media Boom

The rapid rise of digital news platforms, OTT content, and Connected TV (CTV) has changed the way Indian audiences consume information. Traditional television viewership is shrinking, especially among urban millennials and Gen Z viewers, prompting advertisers to shift budgets to digital channels that offer targeted reach and data-driven insights.

Declining Advertising Revenue

Television networks, which traditionally relied heavily on advertising revenue, are losing ground to programmatic digital ads and influencer-led content strategies. The lack of measurable ROI and viewership fragmentation in TV makes it less attractive for modern advertisers.

What Indian TV News Channels Must Do to Survive

Invest in Digital Transformation

Building strong digital-first news platforms, launching mobile apps, and expanding content offerings on YouTube, OTT, and social media are essential. Audiences want instant, engaging, and accessible news—anytime, anywhere.

Enhance Content Innovation

From hyperlocal journalism to interactive formats, content diversification is key. Newsrooms must adopt data analytics, AI tools, and audience insights to create impactful and personalized news experiences.

Build Strategic Partnerships

Collaboration between traditional media companies and digital-first startups can drive innovation and reduce costs. Joint ventures for content production, tech infrastructure, and ad sales can give legacy players a competitive edge.

The Future of Indian TV News is Hybrid and Digital-First

With advertising revenue under pressure and digital disruption accelerating, India’s top TV news networks must embrace a hybrid future. The companies that succeed will be those that balance credible journalism with agile business models, cross-platform distribution, and audience-centric storytelling.

As the media landscape continues to evolve, the broadcast industry is at a crossroads—where only those willing to transform and innovate will thrive in the digital era.