News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 stays ahead of competition for 50 weeks in a row
Mumbai: As per the latest data released by the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC), CNN–News18 has topped the English news genre consecutively for 50 weeks with a 35.7 per cent market share in India’s TG 2+ segment. (BARC; market share%, TG: 2+, India, Wk 16’22- Wk 13’22, All days, 24 Hrs)
CNN-News18 outperformed top news channels such as Republic TV, Times Now, India Today TV and others. The market share of Republic TV stood at 28 per cent, whereas the market share of Times Now was at 23% and India Today TV at 6.2 per cent.
Speaking on the channel’s leadership, CNN-News18 managing editor Zakka Jacob said, “I think this is an incredible achievement for CNN-News18. 50 weeks is a half-century in cricketing terms. It’s almost a year of being No.1. This couldn’t have been possible without the loyal and steadfast support of all our viewers. It’s a testimony to sane and sober news without any hyperventilation. It’s also a big thumbs up to the young team at CNN-News18. But we are only getting started. Abhi toh century baaki hai.”
Since BARC resumed ratings for the English news genre in March 2022, CNN-News18 has consistently outperformed its competitors.
CNNNews18’s star studded prime time is also the first choice of viewers.
The channel has always focused on news and insightful debates and discussion.
To ensure that the content and presentation of CNN-News18 remain unique and far ahead of its competition, the News18 network has invested heavily in both technology and editorial resources.
News18 brands have enjoyed strong traction across YouTube and social media platforms as their views have grown steadily.
News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 rolls out Battle for the States ahead of key polls
Multi-format election coverage tracks voter mood across five battleground states
NEW DELHI: CNN-News18 has launched a special election programming initiative titled Battle for the States, as India gears up for high-stakes Assembly elections across West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry.
Built around the theme ‘Road to Power’, the multi-format coverage aims to follow the entire electoral journey, from campaigning and polling to results and government formation. The network is leaning into on-ground reportage and data-backed storytelling to decode voter sentiment across regions where local issues often shape the narrative.
The programming line-up includes ‘Vote Tracker’, a three-part series developed in collaboration with survey agency Vote Vibe. The show blends survey insights with expert commentary and field reporting, using augmented reality graphics to present complex electoral data such as vote share, seat projections and leadership preferences in a more accessible format. It will air every Monday evening until April 6.
Adding a cultural lens to political reporting is ‘So Saree!’, a ground-driven segment where women anchors travel across constituencies dressed in traditional handwoven sarees from each state. The format uses attire as a storytelling device, highlighting regional identity while capturing grassroots voices.
Meanwhile, ‘Unfiltered Kaapi’ and ‘Chai-Niti’ bring a more conversational tone, drawing inspiration from everyday political discussions in tea stalls and coffee corners. These segments aim to break down key issues through candid, fast-paced exchanges between anchors and reporters, tailored to regional sensibilities.
For viewers seeking deeper insights, the weekend docuseries ‘Reporters Project’ takes a longer view, with correspondents travelling across constituencies to map voter concerns and political shifts on the ground.
“Elections are about people, their aspirations, identities and the issues that matter to them, and every state tells a different story,” said CNN-News18 editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar. He added that the initiative focuses on understanding “the sentiment on the ground and what’s driving voter choices”.
Echoing the emphasis on credibility, Network18 CEO – English and business news Smriti Mehra said the network aims to combine on-ground reporting with data-led insights to deliver clear and timely coverage as the elections unfold.
With a mix of data, culture and grassroots reporting, CNN-News18 is positioning Battle for the States as a comprehensive window into one of India’s most closely watched electoral cycles, where every vote carries a story waiting to be told.
