Company interview guide

Network 18

HQ — Mumbai, Maharashtra, India·Public Limited·Media, broadcasting and digital publishing

Network 18 interview process guide 2025-26: application, assignment and panel rounds, plus common media and broadcast journalism interview questions.

  • 1996 founded
  • Approx. 4,900 employees in India
  • Mumbai headquarters
01
Company overview

About Network 18

Network18 Media and Investments Ltd is one of India's largest media conglomerates, with a bouquet of over fifty television channels in India and thirteen international channels, alongside interests in filmed entertainment, digital content, magazines, and digital commerce.

Promoted by the Independent Media Trust, of which Reliance Industries is the sole beneficiary, the group's subsidiary TV18 Broadcast runs the largest news network in India, spanning business, general, and regional news channels.

Network18's openings on Jobaaj typically include roles in journalism, content production, digital media, sales, and corporate functions, for freshers and experienced media professionals. The company values strong communication, editorial judgement, and adaptability across its diverse and fast-moving media businesses.

Founded in1996
OwnershipMajority-owned by Reliance Industries (NSE/BSE listed)
India Employee countApprox. 4,900
HeadquartersMumbai, Maharashtra, India
CEORahul Joshi (Managing Director, CEO & Group Editor-in-Chief)
Type of CompanyPublic Limited
Nature of BusinessMedia, broadcasting and digital publishing
02
Step by step

Network 18 hiring process

1. Online application

Candidates apply through Jobaaj or Network18's careers channels, and recruiters shortlist profiles based on relevant journalism, media, or functional experience. Applications are typically routed to the relevant desk or business vertical.

2. Resume screening call

Shortlisted candidates receive a call to discuss their background, writing or on-air samples, and interest in the specific channel or vertical. Recruiters also confirm notice period and location preference at this stage.

3. Writing or on-camera assignment

For journalism and content roles, candidates may complete a writing test, mock story pitch, or on-camera assessment. This helps editors evaluate practical storytelling and communication skills early.

4. Editorial or functional interview

A panel from the relevant desk, such as news, business, or digital, evaluates editorial judgement, domain knowledge, and communication skills. Candidates are often asked to critique or improve a sample story.

5. Final round with senior editors or leadership

A senior editor or business head assesses overall fit, adaptability, and alignment with the channel's editorial voice. This round may also explore the candidate's awareness of current affairs.

6. HR discussion and offer

The HR team finalises compensation and joining details before extending a formal offer. HR also shares onboarding information for the specific channel or vertical.

03
What to expect

Network 18 interview rounds

Network18's interview process typically runs three to four rounds depending on the role.

Round 1: Resume and sample screening

An initial screening, typically over a call, reviews relevant experience, writing samples, or on-air clips for journalism and content roles. This stage filters candidates before scheduling the writing test or interview.

  • Familiarity with the channel's editorial style and audience
  • Clarity and accuracy in written or spoken communication

Round 2: Writing or assignment test

A 30-60 minute assignment tests story writing, headline framing, or a mock pitch relevant to news or content roles. Editors assess clarity, accuracy, and news judgement in the submitted work.

  • Writing a news story from a given set of facts
  • Pitching an angle for a trending business or general news topic

Round 3: Editorial or functional interview

A 30-40 minute round with an editorial or department panel evaluates judgement, accuracy, and understanding of the news cycle or business vertical. Interviewers often discuss recent stories to gauge awareness.

  • Handling a breaking news situation under time pressure
  • Verifying facts before publishing a story

Round 4: Final leadership and HR round

A 20-30 minute discussion with senior editors or leadership and HR covers overall fit, compensation, and joining timelines. This round also confirms long-term interest in a newsroom career.

  • Reasons for wanting to join a large media conglomerate
  • Adaptability to a fast-paced newsroom or digital environment
04
Pay by role

Network 18 salaries

DesignationAverage salary
Creative / Account Director
Experience: 9+ years yrs
₹ 29 Lakhs /year
Typical range ₹20 L – ₹38 L/yr
Manager
Experience: 5 - 9 years yrs
₹ 15.5 Lakhs /year
Typical range ₹11 L – ₹20 L/yr
Senior Executive
Experience: 2 - 5 years yrs
₹ 8.5 Lakhs /year
Typical range ₹6 L – ₹11 L/yr
Executive - Creative / Media
Experience: 0 - 2 years yrs
₹ 4.5 Lakhs /year
Typical range ₹3 L – ₹6 L/yr

Figures are estimates based on typical market ranges for this role and sector, not company-published pay. Actual offers vary by location, skills and negotiation.

05
Practise by topic

Network 18 interview questions

06
Asked in the room

Network 18 interview FAQs

Q1How many rounds are there in Network18's interview process?

Network18's process typically has three to four rounds, including resume and sample screening, a writing or assignment test, an editorial or functional interview, and a final leadership or HR round.

Q2How long does the Network18 hiring process usually take?

The process typically takes two to four weeks from application to offer, though senior editorial roles may take longer due to additional assignment and leadership rounds.

Q3How would you handle covering a breaking news story under time pressure?

A strong answer describes quickly verifying facts from reliable sources, prioritising accuracy over speed, coordinating with the desk, and updating the story as details emerge, since credibility matters most in news roles.

Q4Why do you want to work at Network18?

Connect your interest in journalism, broadcasting, or digital media with Network18's scale and reach across news and entertainment, mentioning specific skills relevant to the role.

Q5How do you verify facts before publishing or broadcasting a story?

Explain your process for cross-checking sources, consulting official statements, and flagging uncertain information before it goes out, since accuracy and editorial responsibility are central to media roles.

Q6What is the typical entry point and salary structure for freshers at Network18?

Freshers typically join as trainee reporters, content associates, or digital media executives, with compensation following standard media industry bands based on function, channel, and city of posting.

Quick facts about Network 18

How many people work at Network 18?
Network 18 employs approximately Approx. 4,900. Headcount figures move over time and are indicative.
Is Network 18 a public or private company?
Ownership: Majority-owned by Reliance Industries (NSE/BSE listed).
Who is the CEO of Network 18?
As recorded on this profile, Rahul Joshi (Managing Director, CEO & Group Editor-in-Chief) leads Network 18. Leadership can change - check the company's own site for the current position holder.
What does Network 18 do?
Network 18 operates in Media, broadcasting and digital publishing.
Hiring now

Looking for a role at Network 18?

Browse current openings on Jobaaj, and use this guide to prepare before your first round.