Reliance Broadcast Network has reported a net loss of Rs 4.3 crore versus loss of Rs 12.6 crore in the third quarter, year-on-year, YoY.
Its net revenues were up at Rs 67.1 crore versus Rs 49.2 crore, YoY. In an interview with CNBC-TV18, Ismail Dabhoya, CFO, Reliance Broadcast, speaks about the results and gives his outlook going forward. Below is a verbatim transcript of his interview with CNBC-TV18's Udayan Mukherjee and Mitali Mukherjee. Also watch the accompanying video. Q: Could you start by giving us some numbers on the TV business, since this is the first quarter where you are consolidating your TV Numbers? A: On the television business, we launched our first channel, which is Big CBS Prime, on November 29 and this is the first month of the channel going live. By March, we should be having all the other channels going live. This is still in the first start up phase of the company. Once having launched all the channels, we will look at consolidation of numbers into the financials. Q: Can you give us a rough picture of whether or not there has been any revenue generation on your TV operations? A: The revenue generation, yes, there has been. We have advertisers that are there. This being a niche channel, the advertisers will take some time to come by. We are also ramping up the distribution. We have signed up almost all the deals with the leading DTH and cable operators. So, the revenues that will get generated will be in Q4 and going forward. Q: You have delivered some earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) growth now for the nine month period, what would you hope to do by the time you finish this year and step into FY12? A: On the EBITDA level, presently we are looking at margins of about 9% which is the current one. We hope to increase the EBITDA margins because we have seen consistent growth in our EBITDA resulting from higher growth from the radio revenues and experience of marketing division which has delivered consistently on great properties like Big Star Entertainment Awards and the Regional Music and the Television Awards. Going forward, we have a line up of these awards with confirmed sponsors on board. So, going forward the EBITDA margins should be improving. Q: Can you give us an update on what is going on with the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) approval of the foreign investment that has been pending approval for some time? A: FIPB approval is pending and has been deferred. I think today is the meeting at FIPB wherein our proposal should be taken up. Q: What is the hurdle there because it has been applied for twice and hasnDiscover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
