News Broadcasting
Aaj Tak says it’s at all-time high reach
MUMBAI: It looks like Aaj Tak is quite serious about its catch line ‘Sabse Tej’. The broadcasting arm of India Today group, quoting the latest TAM ratings, says it has reached an all time high of 23 million viewers.
The rise in viewership is reflected in its market share which is now 55 per cent, according to an official release.
In an attempt to spruce up its news presentation, Aaj Tak has introduced a number of innovations. As part of this effort, Aaj Tak plans to chuck its drab and non-communicative interviewing style.
Last year during the budget the channel interviewed then finance minister Yashwant Sinha accompanied by his wife at a lunch session. This year the current railway minister Nitish Kumar was interviewed after the presentation of the Railway budget in his special railway coach while moving around the city.
Says CEO G Krishnan: “This is yet another step towards the next generation news which doesn’t have to be grim. With the implementation of these innovations we will transform news presentation, make it more lively and appealing, and thereby draw more viewers to the channel.”
News Broadcasting
News18 India launches Command Centre war explainer with Arya
New show shifts from debates to decoding global conflicts and impacts
MUMBAI: News18 India has rolled out a new war-focused programme, Command Centre, featuring Gaurav Arya, as it looks to offer viewers a sharper, more grounded take on global conflicts amid rising tensions in West Asia.
Positioned as an “insider war room”, the show moves away from conventional panel debates and instead focuses on explaining military developments, decoding strategy and connecting global events to their everyday impact, from fuel prices to economic shifts.
The format leans heavily on visuals and data. The studio has been designed like a command hub, complete with large LED war maps, real-time graphics and an alert system to track developments as they unfold.
At the centre of it all is Arya, who brings his military background to simplify complex war strategies for viewers. His signature line, “Seedhi baat samjhiye”, anchors the show’s promise of clarity over noise.
News18 India managing editor Jyoti Kamal said, “Command Centre, featuring Major Gaurav Arya is designed to deliver accurate insights and a clear perspective on how evolving conflicts impact everyday life, from household budgets to national security. With expert voices analysing every development in real time, the show goes beyond headlines to decode what’s happening now, what it means, and what could come next.”
Echoing the intent, Gaurav Arya added, “In times of war, confusion is the biggest threat. With News18 India’s Command Centre, we are bringing viewers inside the war room, decoding strategies, tracking every escalation, and explaining, in the simplest terms, what it means for India and for every household. Seedhi baat samjhiye, this is where you understand not just what is happening, but what happens next.”
The weekday show will air in the afternoon slot and will also feature Gaurav Shukla, adding to its editorial depth.
With its mix of analysis, visuals and a clear focus on impact, the show reflects a broader shift in news consumption. Viewers are no longer just watching events unfold, they are looking to understand what those events mean for them.
