Even as the Adani-owned NDTV got clearances from the government for four TV news channels, it announced that one of the channels would be launched next Monday.

Doing a markets report yesterday, Reliance-owned moneycontrol.com said that NDTV shares jumped four percent on August 18 after the news broadcaster received the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting approval to launch four regional channels.

Meanwhile, according to a filing with BSE (formerly Bombay Stock Exchange), NDTV on August 17 said, “In furtherance to our disclosure dated August 4, 2023, we wish to inform you that the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting vide letter dated August 17, 2023 has granted permission to the company to uplink and downlink four news and current affairs channels namely ‘NDTV Rajasthan’, ‘NDTV Madhya Pradesh / Chhattisgarh’, ‘NDTV Gujarati’ and ‘NDTV Marathi’.” 

The company further stated that it shall launch NDTV Madhya Pradesh/ Chhattisgarh on August 21, while the launch date for the other TV channels would be announced once finalized. 

A Reuters report in late July stated that the company posted a loss for the first quarter, as Indian broadcasters remain pressured by a weak advertising environment.

NDTV reported a consolidated net loss of Rs. 81.3 million ($991,568.62) for the quarter ended June 30, compared to a profit of Rs. 232.2 million a year ago, according to the Reuters report.

Revenue from operations plunged 35 percent to Rs. 699.9 million, while overall expenses fell 1.6 percent.

Media companies have been facing weak advertisement demand, as enterprises cut discretionary spending amid a high interest rate environment.