News Broadcasting
India TV regains top slot with strong programming
MUMBAI: India TV’s Aap Ki Adalat episode featuring comedian turned actor Kapil Sharma has seen a 101 per cent rise in its ratings as compared to the show’s previous episode. This subsequently played a pivotal role in taking the channel back to the number one slot in week 38 in Hindi News channels segment. Kapil’s humour quotient paired with India TV chairman and editor-in-chief Rajat Sharma’s array of clever questions seems to have worked like magic. What’s more, alongside the flagship show, the channel’s weekday prime time show Aaj Ki Baat with Rajat Sharma as well as Chunav Manch – India TV’s Bihar Conclave, also garnered good ratings during the same week.
As per data shared by BARC India on Indiantelevision.com’s request, the channel’s ratings jumped from 1967 in the last four weeks (week 34 to 37) to 3948 in week 38 from a sample of over 1 lakh viewers in the Hindi Speaking Market (HSM). This makes India TV the most viewed channel in the Hindi news segment in week 38.
The good ratings, however, doesn’t faze the editor-in-chief. Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, he says, “We have always focussed on content. Ratings come automatically.” In fact, Sharma had an inkling that the episode with Kapil would be a hit with the audience. “The first indication that the show would be a hit was when I noticed the audience present in the studio enjoying Kapil’s answers,” he adds.
According to Rajat Sharma, Kapil’s interesting anecdotes won the audience over during the show. “Kapil in Aap Ki Adalat was spontaneous. While answering my questions, he narrated some interesting anecdotes, which the audience liked. The presence of Bhojpuri star Manoj Tiwari in the studio and his ‘jugalbandi’ with Kapil helped in making the show a bigger hit,” he informs.
It is interesting to note that the two Sharmas have previously made an appearance together on screen last year on Colors’ Comedy Nights with Kapil Sharma, where Rajat Sharma was invited as a guest.
In the Hindi News channels space, Zee News has been at the number one spot as per BARC for the last two weeks. On the other hand, India TV has also been at top of the ladder many a times over the last few months
News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 to host Fury in the Gulf conclave on West Asia crisis
Three-hour summit to unpack geopolitical fallout and impact on India
MUMBAI: CNN-News18 is set to host a special three-hour broadcast, Fury in the Gulf – War Conclave, on April 7, aiming to decode the escalating West Asia crisis and its far-reaching implications for India.
Scheduled from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, the conclave comes at a time when tensions between Iran and the United States are reshaping global geopolitics and triggering economic uncertainty. With India’s deep energy ties, trade links and large diaspora in the Gulf, the developments carry significant domestic relevance.
Built around the theme ‘Conflict, Consequences, and The Future,’ the programme will feature six curated sessions combining one-on-one interviews and panel discussions. The focus is to cut through the clutter and offer viewers a clearer understanding of the fast-evolving situation.
Key sessions include ‘Diplomacy in Times of War’ featuring Shashi Tharoor, and ‘World After the Iran Conflict’ with voices such as Ram Madhav, Reuven Azar, representatives from the European Union and the Iranian Deputy Envoy. Another session titled ‘Another Dunkirk?’ will bring together K. J. S. Dhillon and Jitin Prasada among others.
CNN-News18 editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar said, “In times of war, clarity becomes the most powerful tool. Fury in the Gulf – War Conclave brings together credible voices to address the questions and confusion that arise amid an overwhelming influx of information.”
He added that the initiative is aimed at delivering “facts, perspective, and insight” at a time when misinformation can easily cloud public understanding.
Echoing the sentiment, CNN-News18 CEO– English and business news Smriti Mehra said the conflict marks a defining global moment, with consequences that extend well beyond the region. She noted that the conclave seeks to present the crisis with “depth, nuance and responsibility” so audiences can better grasp its real-world impact.
As geopolitical tensions continue to dominate headlines, the conclave positions itself as an attempt to bring order to the noise, offering viewers a structured, insight-led look at a complex and rapidly shifting global situation.
