News Headline
Four most watched channels on Indian television
BENGALURU: Despite many experts predicting the decline and ultimate death of conventional television, the medium is still one of the largest ones for entertainment, for news and for marketers in terms of viewers. Notwithstanding the fact that more channels have come under Broadcast Audience Research Council of India (BARC), the moot point is that the number of television advertisements in India has increased says an industry watcher. So,which were the most watched television channels week on week in the country during until week 35 of 2018?
Analysis of BARC weekly data for the top 10 channels across genres NCCS: 2+ All for weeks 1 to 35 of 2018 (Saturday, 30 December 2017 to Friday, 31 August 2018, period under consideration) have revealed some interesting facts. The most notable one is that only four channels have appeared in BARC’s weekly across genres during all the first 35 weeks of 2018. All four are general entertainment channels. Two are free to air (FTA) and two are flagship channels of the networks of which they are a part of. Three are Hindi and one is Tamil. In alphabetical order they are: Star India’s FTA and renamed channel Star Bharat: Sun TV Network’s flagship Tamil GEC Sun TV, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (Zeel) FTA Hindi GEC channel and its flagship Hindi GEC Zee TV.
Please refer to the figure below:
(The only parameter considered in this report is limited to BARC ratings. Reach, viewership share, have not been considered here. BARC weekly viewership data for the top 10 Channels Across Genres available in the public data is in terms of thousands of impressions (000s))
Sun TV is the most watched television channel in India. Period. Its average ratings during the first 35 weeks of 2018 are even higher than the average ratings of Star India’s sports channel Star Sports 1 Hindi during the weeks that IPL 11 was played in 2018, Sun is a regional channel with a major portion of its viewership limited to the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry markets.
Zee Anmol and Star Bharat are the first and second most watched Hindi GECs’ respectively in India. The viewership of both the channels is driven more by rural numbers as compared to urban. The fourth most watched channel in India is Zee TV. Zee TV’s ratings are driven more by urban viewers than rural viewers.
Until week 33 oi 2018, Sony Pictures Network India’s (SPN) women focused Hindi GEC Sony Pal consistently appeared in BARC’s weekly top 10 channels across genres. However, since the past two weeks (weeks 34 and 25 of 2018), the channel has missed BARC’s weekly lists of top 10 channels across genres bus.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
