News Broadcasting
CNN-IBN is the Most Watched English News Channel During Elections
MUMBAI: CNN-IBN emerged a clear favourite of viewers on Elections 2014 – further extending its rich & award winning legacy of leadership on Elections. The channel was the most watched English news channel throughout the key Elections period. As per the TAM data, CNN-IBN leads with a Market Share of 37%, followed by Times Now with 23%, NDTV 24×7 with a market share of 12%, Headlines Today with 10% and News X with a market share of 17% (Source: TAM, CS AB Male 25-54 Yrs, 6 Metros, Wk 15-20’14, 24 Hrs, All Days, Market Share basis 30 min TVTs).
The channel also emerged as the clear No.1 English Channel on each and every Polling Day with a consolidated market share of 36%, followed by Times Now with 22%, News X with 19% and Headlines Today & NDTV 24×7 with a market share of 12% each. (Source: TAM, CS AB 25-54 Yrs, All India 1 Mn+ (incl Metros), 24 Hrs across (07th, 09th, 10th, 12th, 17th, 24th, 30th April, 07th May & 12th May ’14), Market Share basis 30 min TVTs).
All through the crucial Elections Week and during the Counting Hours on May 16th, India tuned into CNN-IBN. CNN-IBN garnered 37% market share in Wk’20 as opposed to Times Now with 29%, NDTV 24×7 with 15%, Headlines Today with 10%, and News X with 9% (Source: TAM, CS AB 15-54 Yrs, All India, 0600-2400 Hrs, Market Share basis 30 min TVTs). While during Counting Hours, CNN-IBN led with a market share of 36% followed by Times Now with 32%, NDTV 24×7 with 15%, Headlines Today with 5% and News X with 11% (Source: TAM, CS AB 25-54 Yrs, All India, 0800-1200 Hrs, Market Share basis 30 min TVTs).
The last couple of months were really critical as the entire nation got engaged in possibly the most crucial elections in recent times. With the nation facing multiple challenges, there was a huge interest in the outcome of the same. The common men and women of the country have probably never been this involved in elections, and television undoubtedly became a critical touch point for key information and updates. Given the breadth and depth of CNN-IBN’s programming line-up – extensive LIVE reporting, in-depth coverage, sharp and precise analysis, data, debates and channel packaging, it was no surprise that CNN-IBN’s coverage got maximum traction. The channel’s ratings are indeed a testimony to the credibility and its unmatched coverage of these key Elections. The relentless effort by IBN Network’s formidable team of anchors and journalists, eminent panel of experts, data-analytics through CNN-IBN-Microsoft Election Analytics Centre; all contributed significantly to this success.
Speaking on this, Rajdeep Sardesai, Editor-in-Chief, IBN Network, said, “We are thankful to our viewers for making CNN-IBN, the No.1 English News channel on Elections. Considering the scale of the event, the biggest challenge for us was to ensure that the viewers receive the most accurate and up to date information right through the elections in order to ensure that they are well informed. Since the beginning of General Elections 2014, we have given insightful and unbiased reportage to our viewers and succeeded in reaching out to our viewers in large numbers.”
News Broadcasting
Kamlesh Singh receives Haldi Ghati Award from MMCF
India Today Group editor honoured for three decades of journalism at Udaipur ceremony.
MUMBAI- Kamlesh Singh just turned a lifetime of sharp words into a shiny shield because when journalism wakes up a society, even the Maharana of Mewar wants to pin a medal on it.
The Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) conferred its prestigious Haldi Ghati Award on Kamlesh Singh, a senior editor at the India Today Group, during a ceremony in Udaipur on 15 March 2026. The national award, instituted in 1981-82, recognises “work of permanent value that initiates an awakening in society through the medium of journalism.”
Singh, who leads several editorial initiatives including Aaj Tak Radio, the Teen Taal community and The Lallantop, was presented the honour by Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Managing Trustee of MMCF. The citation highlighted his three decades of contributions to Indian media, innovations in digital journalism, mentoring young reporters, and his popular podcast persona “Tau” on Teen Taal, which fosters thoughtful public discourse.
The Haldi Ghati Award, named after the historic Battle of Haldighati symbolising valour and resilience, is one of four national awards given annually by MMCF. Past recipients include Tavleen Singh, Piyush Pandey and Raj Chengappa.
Other honourees this year included Padma Vibhushan Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Vedamurti Devvrat Rekhe, Treeman of India Marimuthu Yoganathan, Vir Chakra Capt Rizwan Malik, and US-based researcher Molly Emma Aitken, who received the Colonel James Tod Award for contributions to understanding Mewar’s spirit and values.
In an era where headlines often shout louder than substance, the MMCF quietly reminded everyone that real journalism isn’t about noise, it’s about the quiet, persistent work that stirs society awake, one thoughtful story at a time.
