News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 breaks the news and the gap with rivals in ratings race
MUMBAI: When it comes to prime-time battles, CNN-News18 is not just reporting the news, it’s making it. The latest BARC data shows the channel miles ahead in the English news race, leaving rivals scrambling to catch up. With a commanding 42.1 per cent market share, CNN-News18 is holding more than just the mic; it’s holding the crown.
The numbers paint a picture as sharp as the headlines: NDTV 24×7 trails with 26.1 per cent, while Times Now languishes at 17.3 per cent. That means CNN-News18 is 61 per cent ahead of NDTV 24×7 and a staggering 143 per cent ahead of Times Now. The gap is so wide that the No. 1 player is practically operating in a different league, underscoring the channel’s edge in delivering clutter-free, noise-free, credible news.
This isn’t a one-off spike. Since BARC resumed ratings in March 2022, CNN-News18 has kept its lead for over three years straight proof that in the ever-changing world of television news, consistency still wins. For viewers, the message is clear: when it comes to English news, CNN-News18 doesn’t just set the agenda, it owns it.
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.
