News Broadcasting
Arts, current affairs, docs dominate the beebs schedule in the UK
MUMBAI: The BBC launched its statements of programme policy for 2004/2005 in the UK. It will devote more time to arts, current affairs and documentaries.
However BBC Acting DG Mark Byford has clarified that renewing the focus on arts and current affairs did not signal a lack of focus elsewhere at the broadcaster.
Most of the arts shows will be showcased on BBC One. The BBC issued a release stating that the decision was on account of the audiences desire to see more cultural and arts journalism added to its mix of arts programmes. Therefore it will launch The Culture Show later this year.
Meanwhile BBC Two will build a new documentary strand. The subjects cover diverse issues like terrorism, disability, parenting. The channel will also increase its commitment to current affairs by 10 hours. It had recently launched current affairs analysis strand If.
Online the BBC News website on bbc.co.uk will launch Quick Guides in a couple of months time. This will offer extra insight and context to daily news events. Arts programming across the BBC will include a new programme on BBC Four for analysis of the UK and world media.
The BBC added that it framed the statements this year in order to meet the BBC Governors Board’s request that the programme plans be presented in a way that demonstrate how they contribute to delivering the BBC’s public purpose.
Acting BBC Chairman Richard Ryder was quoted in the release saying, “The BBC’s new approach to the statements of programme policy will enable the licence payers to judge the BBC’s performance with greater clarity. On their behalf, the Board of Governors will monitor the BBC’s performance against these committments throughout the year and report its assessment in the Annual Report and Accounts.”
News Broadcasting
Network18 channels lead YouTube news viewership in March 2026
CNN-News18, News18 India and CNBC channels top categories with record views
MUMBAI: When the world hit refresh on breaking news, Network18’s channels were already streaming ahead. As geopolitical tensions and war-driven headlines fuelled a surge in global news consumption, the network’s digital playbook delivered big clocking record Youtube viewership across English, Hindi and business news categories in March 2026.
At the forefront was CNN-News18, which emerged as the clear leader in the English news segment with 130 million live and video-on-demand views. The channel edged past competitors such as Times of India (126.5 million), Times Now (101.1 million), India Today (88.2 million) and NDTV (77.5 million), according to Databeings data for March.
In the Hindi news arena, News18 India delivered a commanding performance, racking up a staggering 3,297 million views on YouTube. The channel comfortably outpaced NDTV India, which recorded 3,119 million views, underlining its deep reach and consistent engagement with mass audiences, as per Playboard data.
The network’s dominance wasn’t confined to general news. In the Hindi business segment, CNBC Awaaz topped the charts with 92 million views, narrowly ahead of Zee Business (90 million) and well ahead of ET Now Swadesh (57 million). Meanwhile, its English counterpart CNBC-TV18 posted a strong 58 million views, reinforcing the network’s cross-category strength.
The spike in viewership reflects a broader shift in audience behaviour, with viewers increasingly turning to digital platforms particularly Youtube for real-time updates and in-depth coverage during high-intensity news cycles. For Network18, the numbers signal more than just scale; they underline the effectiveness of a multi-platform strategy that blends speed, credibility and continuous coverage.
In a month where the news never paused, it seems viewers chose to stay tuned where the stream never stopped.
