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
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.
