News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 unveils new primetime lineup
MUMBAI: CNN-News18, the national English news channel of News18 Network, has announced an all-new programming line-up for the evening primetime. With an aim to deliver insightful news and a platform for the common man to voice their views and concerns, the channel is all set to redefine its primetime with powerful line-ups. The Right Stand, a high octane debate show, believes in putting India first and focuses on major national issues. The show will telecast every weeknight at 7.57 pm, starting tonight.
Talking about the refreshed content, Network18 CEO English and business news cluster Basant Dhawan said, “During the last year, News18 Network strengthened its value proposition and has now firmly cemented itself as the leading news network in the country. The refreshed programming is a part of our continued efforts of pushing the envelope of journalism. Keeping viewers at the core of our content strategy, the new line-up reflects the dynamism and the constantly evolving nature of the television news and the consumers.”
Disrupting the primetime at 7.57 pm, The Right Stand will be hosted by executive editor, Anand Narasimhan (@AnchorAnandN). Narasimhan, in his distinctive style, will lead the discussions and capture various facets of the news story helping viewers make an informed opinion. The hour and a half long show will witness intense debates on top national stories of the day with the biggest newsmakers.
Anchored by India’s leading political journalist, Bhupendra Chaubey, executive editor (@bhupendrachaube), the channel will also introduce Viewpoint at 5.57 pm. Brass Tacks hosted by Zakka Jacob, executive editor – output (@Zakka_Jacob), the most influential media person in 40 under 40 and an award-winning journalist for two consecutive years, will telecast at 9.25 pm. The shows will further bolster the channel’s positioning of ‘On Your Side’.
Continuing the legacy of differentiated and engaging content, Viewpoint will disrupt the standard formats as seen on news television by bringing forth an unparalleled and in-depth ground-level view on the major issues of the day. With Jacob’s analytical demeanour and his innovative approach to news telling, Brass Tacks will bring unmatched insights for the viewers by providing a crisp news bulletin comprising key 50 news stories of the day.
Airing at 6.57 pm, Bottom Line anchored by Kishore Ajwani, managing editor (@KishoreAjwani), the show will feature stories that are of direct relevance and interest to viewers. At 10.26 pm, political editor, Marya Shakil (@maryashakil) will continue to host Epicentre offering a comprehensive round-up of all big stories including burning political stories of the day along with issues focusing on gender biasness, minorities etc.
A 360-degree marketing campaign is launched for an extensive outreach and engagement with the viewers for the refreshed primetime. Designed to elaborate the core philosophy and impactful proposition, the campaign integrates print, outdoor and digital medium. The channel will also leverage its owned network assets including CNBC TV18, History TV18, News18 Kerala, News18 Karnataka, News18.com and Firstpost.com.
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.
