DB Corp , a prominent media conglomerate, has announced a significant expansion of its radio broadcasting network. The company's radio brand, 'My FM', has received approval to operate 14 new radio stations, marking a substantial growth in its presence across India.

Expansion Details

The approval for the new radio stations comes as part of the third batch of Private FM Radio Phase III channels auction conducted by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. This development aligns with DB Corp's strategy to strengthen its position in the radio broadcasting sector.

Geographic Reach

According to the company's disclosure to the stock exchanges, the newly allocated stations will be located in greenfield cities. This strategic move suggests that 'My FM' is targeting areas that may not have had significant radio presence before, potentially tapping into new markets and audiences.

License Duration

The license or permission for these new radio stations will be valid for a period of 15 years from the date of operationalization. This long-term authorization provides DB Corp with a stable framework to establish and grow its presence in these new markets.

Regulatory Compliance

The company made this announcement in compliance with Regulation 30 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements Regulations, 2015. This adherence to regulatory norms underscores DB Corp's commitment to transparency in its corporate communications.

Impact on Business

This expansion is expected to significantly boost 'My FM's' reach and potentially increase its market share in the radio broadcasting industry. By adding 14 new stations to its network, DB Corp is poised to enhance its content delivery capabilities and advertising reach across a broader geographic area.

Looking Ahead

As DB Corp prepares to operationalize these new radio stations, the media industry will be watching closely to see how this expansion impacts the competitive landscape of radio broadcasting in India. The move could potentially lead to increased advertising revenues and a stronger brand presence for 'My FM' in the coming years.

DB Corp's strategic expansion of its 'My FM' brand demonstrates the company's confidence in the radio medium and its commitment to growing its media portfolio. As the new stations become operational, listeners in these areas can look forward to a fresh addition to their local radio offerings.

DB Corp Limited (DBCL), India's largest print media company, has reported a robust 31% EBITDA margin in its print business, showcasing the company's strong financial performance and operational efficiency. The media giant, known for its flagship newspapers Dainik Bhaskar, Divya Bhaskar, Divya Marathi, and Saurashtra Samachar, aims to achieve even higher margins through business growth.

Financial Highlights

The company's Board of Directors, in a meeting held on July 16, approved the unaudited financial results for the quarter ended June 30. Despite a challenging market environment, DB Corp demonstrated resilience in its core print business.

Key financial highlights for Q1 include:

Print Business Performance

The print business demonstrated strong performance, with EBITDA margins expanding by 800 basis points quarter-on-quarter to reach 31%. This significant improvement was driven by continued soft newsprint prices and disciplined cost management. The EBITDA for the print business rose to ₹1,647.00 crore, reflecting a growth of 45% compared to the previous quarter.

Advertising and Circulation

While the reported advertising revenue experienced a year-on-year decline of 7% to ₹3,978.00 crore, the company noted that on a like-for-like basis, excluding the impact of election-related advertising in the previous year, advertising revenue grew by high single digits. This performance underscores the robustness of DB Corp's franchise and ongoing advertiser trust.

Circulation revenue showed a modest increase of 1% year-on-year, reaching ₹1,203.00 crore. The company reported a notable trend reversal, with circulation holding firm during the typically weak summer period and even growing in select states.

Digital Business Growth

DB Corp's digital business continues to show impressive growth. The company's news apps have seen tremendous user growth, with Monthly Active Users (MAUs) reaching approximately 22 million as of May, up from 2 million in January 2020. This growth has solidified Dainik Bhaskar's position as the dominant digital leader with the #1 Hindi and Gujarati News Apps.

Dividend Declaration

In a move that signals confidence in its financial stability and commitment to shareholder returns, DB Corp's Board of Directors declared an interim dividend of ₹5.00 per equity share (face value of ₹10.00 each). The record date for determining shareholder eligibility is set for July 23, with the dividend to be paid on or before August 14.

Management Commentary

Mr. Sudhir Agarwal, Managing Director of DB Corp Ltd, commented on the company's performance: "Despite a high base effect from last year's general elections, which had driven a temporary surge in advertising revenues, our core performance remained steady – supported by stable advertising trends, soft newsprint prices, and disciplined cost structures."

He added, "Our digital business continues to scale rapidly, with Monthly Active Users reaching the 22 million mark this quarter – reinforcing our position as India's leading Indian language news app platform."

Looking ahead, DB Corp remains optimistic about growth prospects, particularly in Tier II and beyond markets, driven by anticipated government initiatives to boost disposable incomes and economic activity.

As DB Corp continues to leverage its editorial strength, hyperlocal relevance, and product innovation, the company aims to drive sustainable growth across both print and digital platforms, reinforcing its position as a leader in the Indian media landscape.