Factual
In Black & White: Sudhir Chaudhary’s prime time show on Aaj Tak tops viewership charts
MUMBAI: When the late Michael Jackson sang the hit single Black or White in 1991, little did he know the title would inspire a news program’s title Black & White two decades later, which would become a massive hit in India. Of course MJ’s song was all about respecting colour, and Black & White, hosted by consulting editor Sudhir Chaudhary on Aaj Tak, dissects developments of the day during prime-time.
So strong has been Black & White’s grip on viewers, according to research data provided by TV Today, that it has held on to the leadership position across television and digital platforms in early February. The programme topped Hindi news viewership in week five of 2025, recording a gross average minute audience of 9,746 during its 9 pm slot, according to ratings agency Barc. News18 India followed with 9,355 viewers, whilst Republic Bharat drew 8,752.
On YouTube Live between 3-7 February, the show averaged 136,000 concurrent viewers, significantly ahead of India TV at 68,100 and Republic Bharat at 46,700. Times Now Navbharat and ABP News recorded 32,600 and 29,200 viewers respectively.
Chaudhary, who joined Aaj Tak in 2022 after senior roles at Zee News and Wion, presents the nightly analysis programme across television, digital platforms and out-of-home screens. He was previously awarded the Ramnath Goenka journalism excellence award in 2013.
The show’s cross-platform performance has helped cement Aaj Tak’s position as India’s most-watched Hindi news channel, according to a release issued by the company.
DUBLIN: Ireland is betting big on reality television. In a move that has Hollywood scouts scrambling for their passports, Dublin has unveiled Europe’s first tax credit dedicated solely to unscripted programming—think The Traitors rather than Game of Thrones.
The scheme offers producers a juicy 20 per cent rebate on qualifying expenditure, capped at €15 million ($17.5 million) per project. It’s a cultural credit with strings attached: programmes must pass a test proving they genuinely promote Irish and European culture. No word yet on whether Love Island derivatives need apply.
Ireland tánaiste and minister for finance Simon Harris says the incentive will cement Ireland’s reputation as a “centre of excellence” for audiovisual production. His colleague, minister for culture, communications and sport Patrick O’Donovan, insists Ireland has “the talent, creativity and production expertise to lead” in unscripted television. Bold claims for a nation that has spent decades exporting scripted drama.
The timing is canny. Unscripted production costs have soared globally, making Ireland’s existing infrastructure—and now its tax breaks—increasingly attractive. Fox Entertainment Studios already churns out shows like Beat Shazam and The Floor from Irish studios. Whether these American productions will pass the cultural test remains to be seen.
Producers must secure an interim cultural certificate before filming begins, allowing them to claim credits during production rather than waiting until wrap. A final certificate follows completion. The European Commission has blessed the scheme through December 2028.
Minimum thresholds apply: productions must cost at least €250,000, with eligible expenditure above €125,000. Only one season per project can claim relief in any 12-month period, though producers can juggle multiple projects.
Britain, take note. The UK industry has clamoured for similar support for 18 months, but Westminster has dithered. India’s ministry of information and broadcasting pay heed. Its incentive scheme for co-productions excludes unscripted television. To what end, no one knows! Ireland, meanwhile, is already rolling out the red carpet—or should that be green?
The message from Dublin is clear: when it comes to backing reality TV, Ireland isn’t messing about. Lights, camera, tax action.
