News Broadcasting
BARC Report: Aaj Tak becomes Most Watched News Channel
Mumbai: BARC (Broadcast Audience Research Council) is a broadcast research agency, responsible for assessing and disseminating television viewership data. The recently concluded state assembly elections in Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, and Mizoram have instilled fresh aspirations among news broadcasters. Notably, during election coverage, a significant portion of mainstream news channels garnered distinct audience attention. Against this electoral backdrop, Aaj Tak Hindi news channel has emerged as the top-ranking news channel in terms of viewership, according to BARC data.
Based on three categories for BARC rating points,
Source: BARC | HSM | 15+ | 03rd December 2023| 07:00 to 12:00 Hrs | Gross AMA’000s
During the key vote-counting hours in 4 states, BARC highlighted the dominance of ‘Aaj Tak’ among news channels. On December 3, 2023, Aaj Tak news channel achieved the highest viewership and claimed the title of the Most Watched news channel. Aaj Tak secured a significant market share of 16.2%, surpassing competitors such as India TV with a 13.9% share and TV9 Bharatvarsh with a 12.5% share.
During Counting Day –
Source: BARC | HSM | 15+ | 3rd December, 2023 | 07:00 to 24:00 Hrs | Gross AMA’000s
On the election counting day, spanning from early morning until midnight on December 3, 2023, BARC data reaffirmed Aaj Take leading position with a 15% market share. Following closely were TV9 Bharatvarsh with 13.7% and India TV with a 12.2% market share.
During counting week –
Source: BARC | HSM | 15+ | Wk 49’23 | 24 Hours | Gross AMA’000s
Throughout the entire counting week (Week 49, 2023), Aaj Tak channel showcased its dominance with a 13.0% market share, closely trailed by TV9 Bharatvarsh and News18 India, each securing a 12.9% share. Week 49 began on the heels of the highly awaited results announcement for Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana. Aaj Tak capitalised on this surge in national interest, maintaining its top spot throughout the week. This was particularly evident during the crucial days of Exit Poll announcements (November 30) and actual results (December 3).
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.
