News Broadcasting
News18 India tops charts with 96.5 per cent viewership jump during India-Pakistan conflict
MUMBAI: As tensions flared during the recent India-Pakistan conflict, viewers across the country turned to News18 India in record numbers. The Hindi news channel soared to the top of the charts, notching a 96.5 per cent spike in Average Minute Audience (AMA000’s), according to Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) data.
From 7-9 May, News18 India clocked 39,341 AMA000’s, establishing itself as the most-watched Hindi news channel during the period. Its Cumulative Reach’00 also saw a substantial rise, touching 45,438—a 49.9 per cent increase. (Source: BARC, Market: HSM, TG: 2+, Period: Wk 18’25)
In a volatile media environment flooded with misinformation about India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’, News18 India focused on accurate, responsible, and timely reportage. The channel broke key developments, including the pivotal DGMO calls that halted further escalation.
Network18’s broader general news portfolio also registered a sharp rise in performance. With an AMA000’s count of 81,155, the network saw an 82.8 per cent boost. Its Cumulative Reach’00 reached 1,02,485, marking a 38.6 per cent week-on-week surge. (Source: BARC, Market: India, TG: 2+)
The network’s editorial strength stems from its top-tier anchors and an extensive on-ground network that enabled comprehensive, ground-up coverage. Network18’s portfolio includes News18 India and CNN-News18 on the national front, and a robust regional slate including News18 Uttar Pradesh/Uttarakhand, News18 Bihar/Jharkhand, News18 Madhya Pradesh/Chhattisgarh, and News18 Bangla, among others.
Network18 has consistently held its position as the country’s number one news network for over two years, with its mix of rigorous journalism and regionally rooted storytelling continuing to win the trust of Indian audiences.
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.
