MUMBAI: Television18 (TV18), which runs a clutch of business news channels, has posted a standalone net profit of Rs 50 million, reversing the year ago net loss of Rs 280 million, as the Indian economy has recovered from a slowdown and the financial sector has rebounded.

Revenue from news operations at Rs 640 million stands 13 per cent higher than the prior-year period. This, though, is less than the trailing quarter when TV18's standalone revenue was at Rs 840 million due to the advertising gains from the Budget.

Operating profit at Rs 160 million was higher than Rs 60 million posted in the first quarter of FY'10. TV18 also improved its operating margins to 24 per cent from prior year’s 11 per cent.

Operating expenses, including the revenue it shares with CNBC, stood at Rs 490 million, down from Rs 510 million in the comparative quarter.

On the consolidated front, TV18 posted a revenue of Rs 1.2 billion, up 12 per cent, while expenses stood at Rs 1.12 billion, from Rs 1.07 billion in the earlier year.

Web18, the subsidiary that houses all the websites of the group, has curtailed its operating loss to Rs 30 million, as against Rs 40 million a year ago. Revenue from operations grew 26 per cent to Rs 180 million, while expenses were at Rs 210 million (from Rs 180 million).

In Infomedia18, the net loss for the quarter increased to Rs 80 million, from Rs 20 million in the corresponding quarter of FY’10. Revenue, however, remained flat at Rs 290 million, while expenses increased to Rs 350 million (from Rs 310 million).

In Newswire18, revenue rose to Rs 90 million, from Rs 70 million a year ago. The company posted an operating profit of Rs 10 million.

As on 30 June, TV18 has reduced its net debt to Rs 2.24 billion.