Nation Media Group’s net loss widened to Sh357 million in the first half of 2026, compared to Sh41.7 million a year earlier, with management attributing the decline to lower print revenues.
The Group’s turnover declined by 4.8 per cent to Sh2.85 billion due to lower print revenues. The decline was partly offset by a 3 per cent increase in broadcasting revenue, driven by stronger content and wider audience reach, and a 4 per cent increase in digital subscription revenue.
The company said: “The Group’s turnover declined by 4.8% against the same period last year, mainly attributable to lower print revenues. The decline was partially offset by increase in broadcasting revenue (3.0%) attributable to stronger content and wider audience reach, and increase in digital subscription revenue (4.0%), compared to same period year,”
Operating loss widened to Sh440.8 million from Sh48.7 million reported last year, with management attributing the decline to higher provisions for uncollectible debts linked to delayed payments from government entities, alongside rising fuel costs that weighed on operations.
The board did not recommend the payment of an interim dividend.
The Group consolidated its digital offerings into a single subscription during the period, giving customers access to the Daily Nation, The EastAfrican and Business Daily e-papers and digital platforms for Sh700 a week. Customers can also subscribe to individual publications for Sh350 a week.
Nation Media Group said it will continue to pursue growth in broadcasting, thought leadership and experiential events while maintaining a presence in commercially viable print media.
“The Group will continue to optimize the growth headroom in broadcasting, thought-leadership, and experiential events, while maintaining strong presence in commercially viable print media,” the company said in a statement accompanying the results.
