News Broadcasting
DD1 still leads in overall viewership, Prasar Bharati points out to I&B ministry
NEW DELHI: So you thought national broadcaster Doordarshan was a pushover? Data says otherwise. Between 9-11 pm in all TV homes on all days among viewers over 4 years of age, DD1 or National registered the highest TV rating points (TRPs) of 6.5 as well as audience share of 25.5, according to TAM data for the week ended 29 June, 2002. DD National was followed by Star Plus.
In cable and satellite homes, however, Star Plus and Sony commanded higher TRPs and audience share, while the share of DD1 in C&S homes was only 2.4.
Between 7 am and 11 pm in all TV homes on all days amongst viewers of four years and above DD1 and DD2 or DD Metro registered the highest TRPs as well as audience share. Star Plus was the other leading channel.
In C&S homes, for this time period, Star Plus was, however, the leader in terms of TRPs and audience share as compared to other satellite channels.
The figures have been compiled by TAM and have been forwarded to the ministry of information and broadcasting by the Prasar Bharati only recently to highlight the performance of DD.
And if you thought that where news is concerned DD still clings to the umbilical cord, then media planners and advertisers may start thinking again. Figures say a different story altogether.
In all TV homes between 8-9 pm, DD1 commanded the highest TRP of 2.9 as well as audience share of 14.1 amongst all news channels amongst viewers of 15 years and above. The data forwarded to the ministry by Prasar Bharati says, “In C&S homes also DD1 performed better as compared to other private satellite news channels.”
In the news category during the aforementioned time in all homes, according to the TAM data, Aaj Tak had a TRP of 0.1 and audience share of 0.47, Zee News had a TRP of 0.06 and audience share of 0.28 while Star News came in third with a TRP of 0.04 and audience share of 0.2.
The TAM data was based on a feedback from 27 cities.
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.
