News Broadcasting
BBC World leads international news channels during Indian elections
MUMBAI: BBC World was the most watched international news channel during India’s recent general elections, according to Tam Peoplemeter data.
During the four-week campaign, BBC World reached a total of 15 million viewers, three times the figure achieved by its nearest rival CNN. Each of BBC World’s viewers spent an average of 50 per cent longer tuned into the channels comprehensive and extended coverage of the poll, compared to those who were watching CNN, according to a press release.
The research also claims that about 1.5 million people in India watched BBC World’s election programming on 13 May, the day on which the results were announced. The channel also managed to attracted 94 per cent of the overall viewing to the two channels that day.
BBC World’s balanced perspective on the domestic and global implications of the nationwide poll resulted in a six per cent increase in reach, and a 20 per cent rise in the time spent watching the channel, among Sec group A. BBC World’s reach and viewing time came in ahead of CNN in all Secs across India, the release claims.
BBC World India research manager Dezma de Melo was quoted as saying, “These are fantastic results. The growth in viewership is a result of BBC World’s live reporting, regular hourly news updates and special analysis on programmes including Asia Today, Asia Business Report and Question Time India. The Indian news industry is highly competitive today and BBC World’s success is a reflection of our credibility and the demand from viewers in India for a global perspective.”
News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 to host Kolkata Town Hall on Hooghly River
‘Bhalobasa Bengal Inspiring Bharat’ event on April 20 brings cultural icons, trailblazing women and leaders aboard a cruise to celebrate Bengal’s enduring influence.
MUMBAI: Bengal is about to make fresh waves on the Hooghly and this time the current is pure conversation. CNN-News18 is taking its iconic Town Hall format to the waters of the iconic Hooghly River on 20 April 2026 with a special edition titled ‘Bhalobasa Bengal – Inspiring Bharat’. The floating event will celebrate the state’s rich cultural legacy and how its ideas, creativity and spirit continue to shape the rest of the country.
The unique riverside setting draws on Bengal’s history as a cradle of reform, art and intellectual thought. The speaker line-up mirrors that diversity: cultural heavyweights Mithun Chakraborty and Sreenanda Shankar will share the stage with trailblazing “Devis” such as Tanya Sanyal (India’s first woman firefighter in aviation), Ipsita Chakraborty (Kolkata’s first woman bartender) and Reshma Nilofer Visalakshi (Nari Shakti awardee and marine pilot). Music will flow through the celebrated pianist-vocalist duo Sourendro and Soumyojit, while public life and governance will be represented by Smriti Irani, Leander Paes, Saira Shah Halim, Keya Ghosh, Rekha Patra, Roopa Ganguly and Babul Supriyo.
CNN-News18, editorial affairs director, Rahul Shivshankar, said the event honours voices that carry Bengal’s legacy forward. Smriti Mehra, CEO – English & Business News, Network18, added that Bengal’s stories resonate far beyond its borders, especially as the state heads into polls.
From the first woman to battle flames in the skies to legendary actors who shaped Indian cinema, the gathering promises a rich mix of inspiration, courage and candid dialogue. In a city where culture has always flowed as freely as the river itself, CNN-News18 is turning the Hooghly into a floating forum for ideas that matter.
Tune in on 20 April on CNN-News18, CTV and YouTube to catch Bengal’s heartbeat in full flow.
