MUMBAI: At a time when news channels put up fierce competition in whatever they attempt, can news break be different? The latest claim has come from the Hindi news channel Channel 7 which asserts that it was the one which broke the news on yesterday's Ayodhya attack.

In an official release, the channel went on to add that several top government officials, ministers and opposition leaders came to know of it only after it was reported by Channel 7.

The media release adds that Channel7 was the only channel to have a reporter present while the attack was taking place and provided detail coverage on all aspects of the unfolding drama, which included the heroism of the security forces, the details of the modus operandi, the statement of the taxi driver and of course the usual attempts to milk mileage by the political parties. The channel was also the first to air the news of the temple being safe.

Channel 7 COO Piyush Jain said, "Channel 7, a synonymous of credibility, has always promised to deliver in-depth coverage and news every hour. The breaking story of Ayodhya attack is another example to prove our commitment to bring the latest to our viewers and we will continue to do the same."

Channel 7 asserted that it holds second position amongst Hindi news channels during the period 12 June to 18 June amongst the 25 + males in SEC ABC, all day in Uttar Pradesh.