News Broadcasting
Breaking the news and the charts CNN-News18 tops the ratings race
MUMBAI: Newsrooms thrive on breaking stories but this time, CNN-News18 is the story. The network has stormed ahead of rivals to claim its place as India’s undisputed English news leader, clocking numbers that speak louder than any debate panel ever could.
According to the latest BARC India data, CNN-News18 has pulled off a 64.4 per cent market share in the primetime slot (7–11 pm), leaving competitors trailing far behind NDTV at 15.4 per cent and Times Now at 12.2 per cent. (Source: BARC India | Market: 10L plus | TG: 22–40 Male | Period: Weeks 36–39’25 | Market Share per cent | 5 channels considered.)
For a genre known for high decibels and fierce rivalries, CNN-News18’s dominance is striking, the channel holds more than four times the share of its nearest competitor. The network’s grip on viewers during India’s most-watched hours has placed it firmly in a league of its own, with “No. 1” becoming more of a habit than a headline.
Zooming out beyond primetime, CNN-News18 continues to reign overall with a 36.5 per cent market share, followed by NDTV 24×7 at 25.2 per cent and Times Now at 21.4 per cent. (Source: BARC India | Market: India | TG: 15+AB | Period: Weeks 36–39’25 | Market Share per cent basis AMA’000 | 8 channels considered.)
The victory isn’t a flash in the pan either. CNN-News18 has maintained the top spot since the return of BARC ratings in March 2022, consistently holding its ground across cycles, a feat few news brands can boast in such a volatile space.
What’s fuelling this sustained supremacy? A mix of credibility, sharp reportage, and familiar faces that have become synonymous with trustworthy journalism.
The channel’s roster of seasoned anchors Zakka Jacob, Anand Narasimhan, Rahul Shivshankar, and Shivani Gupta has helped define its editorial rhythm. Their prime-time shows are known for being fast-paced yet focused, where arguments may heat up but facts still win the floor.
Behind the desk, CNN-News18’s network of correspondents across India keeps the channel ahead on breaking stories, from Delhi’s political corridors to distant district headquarters. It’s this combination of speed, scale, and storytelling that keeps viewers coming back when the clock strikes seven.
In an era where English news is often accused of shouting louder than it reports, CNN-News18 seems to have struck the balance pairing the energy of TV debates with the discipline of data. The result is clear in the numbers: nearly two-thirds of English news viewers are tuning into CNN-News18 during primetime, a lead that transforms competition into footnotes.
What makes this rise even more striking is the shrinking gap between viewership and trust, a rare commodity in news. The channel’s ability to hold attention without sensationalism, and to mix credibility with conversation, appears to be its secret sauce.
It’s not just about being the loudest voice in the room anymore, it’s about being the one audiences actually listen to.
With its 64.4 per cent primetime share, 36.5 per cent overall market lead, and an editorial style that’s both assertive and authentic, CNN-News18 isn’t just leading the English news genre, it’s redefining what leadership looks like in it.
In the ratings war, it seems, the network has done what it does best break the news, then break the mould.
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.
