News Broadcasting
CNN-IBN outperforms Times Now as per latest TGI survey data
MUMBAI: CNN-IBN, India’s leading English News Channel, has outperformed Times Now on key critical parameters in the Target Group Index (TGI) study.
TGI (Target Group Index) is a global market research conducted across 72 countries. In India, this study is conducted by IMRB. This study is considered as the most relevant for media agencies and advertisers for developing strategies and understanding consumer segments since it gives insights on consumption across 300 categories. The latest round of this study – Wave 2 (March-May, 2014+ Aug-Oct, 2014) had a sample size of 29,677 from Urban India (SEC AB 15-55 years) which is 7 times that of SEC AB audiences captured by the current Television Audience Measurement system in the country. Overall the study has a sample size of 40,000 (approx) which is 4 times that of the aforementioned system for overall audiences across SECs.
According to the TGI data released by IMRB, CNN-IBN is clearly and significantly ahead of Times Now across multiple audiences especially SEC A segment (2 times)* and metro residents (2.4 times)*. Overall, viewers* who claim to watch CNN-IBN are 3.1 times more than Times Now. Viewers who are looking for in-depth news analysis, political news coverage and staying informed again prefer to watch CNN-IBN over Times Now. Even psychographically, progressive, modern, ambitious and knowledgeable audiences with a positive outlook towards life have a clear preference for CNN-IBN when compared to Times Now.
CNN-IBN also outperforms Times Now in key product categories including automobiles, durables, e-commerce, tech products and FMCG. Amongst viewers who own cars/bikes, CNN-IBN claimed viewership is 3.57 times that of Times Now. Amongst viewers who own durables like TV, fridge, AC and washing machine, CNN-IBN outscores Times Now by 1.3 times. Those who tend to shop online also prefer to watch CNN-IBN again by a factor of 1.3 times. Amongst viewers, who own or use latest technology and gadgets, CNN-IBN viewership is 2.6 times that of Times Now. Those who claim to be the primary household shoppers, a critical segment for any marketer, and watch CNN-IBN are 3.6 times those who claim to watch Times Now.
*Claimed viewership as per TGI.
Source: TGI India 2014, Wave 2 (Mar-May 2014 + Aug-Oct 2014); Urban India SEC AB 15-55 Yrs, Sample size – 29677.
News Broadcasting
News18 hosts Tamil Nadu town hall ahead of 2026 polls
MK Stalin headlines ‘Next Big Leap’ event from 10am on 23 February in Chennai with leaders and icons.
MUMBAI: Tamil Nadu’s political pot is simmering and News18’s town hall is stirring it up just in time for the 2026 assembly elections boilover. Set for 23 February from 10am onwards in Chennai, the News18 Network Town Hall gathers heavyweights under the banner ‘The Next Big Leap for Tamil Nadu’ to dissect the state’s political pulse, economic edge, and cultural clout. With the 234-seat assembly contest looming as a fiercely competitive showdown, the event spotlights how Tamil Nadu’s identity-driven politics and engaged voters continue to ripple across national debates.
Chief minister MK Stalin leads the charge with a keynote on the theme, sketching his government’s blueprint for governance, development, and staying power pre-polls. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin chimes in on ‘Voices, Vision & Way Forward’, unpacking generational shifts and fresh narratives. From the opposition corner, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami tackles ‘Baton Change at the Ballot?’, floating alternatives to the status quo.
Economic vibes get a nudge from industries minister TRB Rajaa on ‘Investment Story Intact?’, probing the state’s draw for big bucks. BJP’s K Annamalai dives into ‘People, Trust & Political Ideology’, positioning his party in the Dravidian-dominated turf. IT Minister Palanivel ThiagaRajan explores ‘Code, Capacity & Citizenship’, on tech’s role in citizen-focused services. TVK’s KG Arunraj questions if ‘Winds of Change are Possible’ in this pattern-prone state.
A panel on innovation features IIT Madras director Prof V Kamakoti, M&M’s Velusamy R, and Electronic Industries Association’s Dr Sasikumar Gendham, musing how AI and knowledge hubs are remaking opportunities. Culture gets its due with composer Anirudh Ravichander on ‘Tamil Music for the World’.
CNN-News18, editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar noted, “The News18 Network Tamil Nadu Town Hall… reflects our core editorial focus, to capture the political mood of the state and spotlight the ideas that will shape the next phase of governance and growth.”
Network18, CEO of English & business news Smriti Mehra added, “As Tamil Nadu moves closer to a defining electoral moment… we see it as our responsibility to drive informed and meaningful conversations.”
Network18 managing editor for South, Vivek Narayan said, “The News18 Network Townhall in Tamil Nadu is designed as a platform where policy, politics and public interest intersect.”
Backed by associate partners Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles and Reliance Industries, the live event streams on CNN-News18, News18 Tamil, CTV, and Youtube from 10am on 23 February perfect for catching the sparks, even if you’re not knee-deep in Dravidian drama.
