MUMBAI: Prannoy Roy-promoted NDTV Ltd has reported a net loss of Rs 65 million in the quarter ended 30 September 2005, slipping into the red as expenses on personnel surged. In the corresponding period last fiscal, the company had earned a net profit of Rs 28 million.

Revenues, however, rose 18 per cent to Rs 430 million. The net loss was also attributed to the jump in expenses on account of launch of business channel NDTV profit. The company believes the gestation period for the new channel, which normally takes at least a year, will be much shorter and there are positive signs of revenue pick up in the last few weeks.

NDTV expects revenues in the second half of the financial year to grow by at least 30-35 per cent. The compay recently concluded a deal with Malaysia's Astro Broadcast Corp to form a joint venture where it woud hold 20 per cent.