News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 dominates Bihar election coverage with record viewership
NEW DELHI: While Bihar was busy counting ballots, the rest of India was counting on CNN-News18. The news channel has turned its stunning Bihar election performance into a victory lap of its own, launching a bold front-page print campaign celebrating its dominance during one of the year’s most watched political events. And the numbers tell quite a story.
On 14 November, as the nation held its breath waiting for Bihar’s verdict, CNN-News18 captured an impressive 46.8 per cent market share during the critical counting hours between 7am and noon. To put that in perspective, the channel outperformed its three main rivals: Times Now, NDTV 24×7, and Republic TV – combined. The trio together managed just 44.2 per cent, trailing behind the solo leader.
It’s the kind of performance that makes competitors nervously check their own figures. Times Now and NDTV 24×7 each pulled 16.9 per cent, whilst Republic TV rounded out the rankings at 10.4 per cent. CNN-News18 essentially owned the day.
The channel wasted no time trumpeting its triumph with a clever print campaign headlined ‘When Bihar Was Counting Votes, India Was Counting on CNN-News18’. Confident? Absolutely. But when you’re pulling nearly half the viewership, perhaps you’ve earned the right.
What made viewers flock to CNN-News18 in such numbers? The channel deployed its heavyweight editorial team, including Zakka Jacob, Anand Narasimhan, Rahul Shivshankar, and Shivani Gupta, backed by an extensive ground reporting network across Bihar. The result was the kind of comprehensive, fast-paced coverage that keeps viewers glued during those nail-biting hours when every seat update matters.
Beyond just talking heads, CNN-News18 served up dynamic graphics, detailed explainers, and sharp data breakdowns that made complex electoral trends digestible for everyone, from political junkies to casual observers just wanting to know who won.
The Barc data, which tracked eight channels across India’s 15 plus age group with purchasing power, confirms what the print campaign celebrates: CNN-News18 has cemented itself as India’s go-to destination when elections roll around.
For a channel that promises ‘fast, factual, and first’ information, delivering on that pledge during high-stakes counting hours is where reputations are built or broken. On 14 November, CNN-News18 didn’t just deliver – it dominated, proving once again that when India wants to know what’s happening, they know exactly where to look.
The Bihar results may be history now, but CNN-News18’s commanding performance has set quite the benchmark for future election coverage. One thing’s certain, the competition will be watching those numbers closely, wondering how to close a gap that currently looks rather unbridgeable.
(Source: Barc India | Market: India | TG: 15+ AB | Period: Week 45’25 | Market Share % | 14 Nov, 07:00–12:00 hrs | 8 channels considered.)
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. AICC’s Praveen Chakravarty weighs ‘Power Sharing vs Principles’, while former Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan joins the fray. 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.
