MUMBAI: The owner of TV9 news networks, Associated Broadcasting Company Pvt Ltd (ABCPL) that operates news channels in various languages has recorded a positive y-o-y overall growth of 20.67 per cent in FY 18, according to a report by PTI.

It also mentioned that the company witnessed a 21 per cent growth in its revenue by raking in around Rs 200 crore in FY 18. According to Care Ratings, the company has made Rs 5.86 crore profit after tax during the year. ABCPL's regional channels made significant contributions to the revenue. 

80 per cent of revenue was accounted for from channels based in Telangana and Karnataka. "This (growth in FDY 18) is primarily on account of Telangana and Karnataka TV9 channels gaining popularity and the ability of the channels to maintain their leadership position," Care said in a report. 

Maintaining a leadership position was possible with its effective marketing and selling strategies resulting in increased revenues, Care added. Care Ratings has assigned 'CARE BBB, Stable' to ABCPLs Rs 25-crore long-term bank facilities and Care A3 to short-term bank facilities of Rs 15 crore in its recent report. 

The company’s consolidated total operating income grew 21.18 per cent to Rs 216.15 crore as against Rs 178.77 crore in the previous fiscal.

During March 2019, ABCPL launched its prime pan India free to air Hindi news channel TV9 Bharatvarsh. The introduction of this channel is expected to help in lowering the geographical concentration risk to a great extent. It also stated that the ability of the company to increase advertisement income, sustain profitability, reduce costs and uphold market position along with the presence of stiff competition shall be crucial. Performance of its new channel TV9 Bharatvarsh and improvement in the working capital cycle are the key rating sensitivities, Care added.