News Broadcasting
Is CNN-News18’s ad rate hike in tough market conditions justified?
Mumbai: CNN-News18 hiked its advertising rates recently. These revised rates will be applicable to all existing and prospective clients advertising on the channel and are said to be significantly more than earlier rates.
The new development comes on the back of the channel’s number one position for the last 52 weeks, as showcased in full page advertisements in May third edition of Indian Express and Economic Times.
But is the channel truly different from others in this competitive market?
As per a media expert, “If you give audiences pure news in an uncluttered way and reduce the noise decibels, you’ll get premium positioning both in the mind of viewers and advertisers. That’s how CNN-News18 has carved the top slot of itself in the cluttered and noisy news market. Their YouTube numbers also reflect the same.”
“However, what sets the channel apart from others is its intelligent shows, which are not the usual screaming and screeching that one often sees in the news genre. I think the channel believes that news and nuance score over noise and has shown this time and again,” said a prominent TV journalist who works for competition.
The channel has made a big digital pivot, and its anchors and reporters are multimedia journalists who engage with viewers on platforms such as news18.com, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.
“CNN News18’s core differentiation is that it is digital-first and is headed more strongly in that direction. The channel is disrupting the news genre from all sides, with an intelligent, unbiased content play that is present on platforms where the viewers are,” said an advertiser who did not wish to be named.
“Even if the ad market is soft and the macro conditions tough, CNN-News18 still commands a high premium purely on the basis of its programming. Also, the election season will give it an additional reach. Advertisers want a non noisy news platform that can take their message to audiences in a brand safe environment,” said a leading media planner.
What Does BARC Data say
According to BARC data, CNN-News18 has been the undisputed leader in the English news genre for the past 52 weeks. With a market share of 35.7 per cent, the channel has left its competitors far behind. Republic TV, Times Now, and India Today TV have garnered 28.5 per cent, 23 per cent, and 6.1per cent market share, respectively, which is significantly lower than CNN News18’s market share. (Source: BARC India | Mkt: India | TG: 2+ | Period: AVG Wk 17’22-16’23 |8 Channels considered | Market Share per cent).
In addition to holding the top spot, the channel offers a variety of programs that appeal to a broad range of audiences with distinct interests and viewpoints.
In prime time, CNN-News18 offers a range of programs, including a riveting political show, balanced debates, and a global show with an India lens.
The channel’s coverage of entertainment and sports is another area that draws audiences both on TV and digital.
With some top anchors in the industry who are known for their credibility and expertise, such as Zakka Jacob, Anand Narasimhan, Marya Shakil, and Palki Sharma, the channel provides a compelling line up.
News Broadcasting
WITT Summit 2026 concludes in New Delhi
Babar Azam’s comical diving attempt goes viral as league introduces anti-dew measures.
MUMBAI: The WITT Summit just wrapped up with enough big ideas to fill a policy playbook because when India’s leaders, thinkers and icons gather under one roof, even the conversations hit sixes. The eighth edition of TV9 Network’s flagship What India Thinks Today (WITT) Summit 2026 concluded on Saturday after two days of dynamic discussions at its New Delhi venue. India’s largest multi-domain public policy and culture summit brought together political leaders, policymakers, sports icons, artists and technology innovators to examine the forces shaping contemporary India and its global standing.
Prime minister Narendra Modi delivered the keynote address on the theme “India and the World” for the third consecutive year. In a wide-ranging speech, he addressed the ongoing conflict in West Asia, calling for restraint and compassion while highlighting India’s continued development trajectory despite global turmoil.
The summit featured candid conversations with state leaders. Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy articulated a people-first governance model and contrasted it with other development approaches. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav declared that Left-wing extremism had been effectively eliminated in his state and highlighted preparations for the upcoming Kumbh Mela. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann defended his government’s record, citing the closure of 19 toll plazas and creation of the Sadak Suraksha Force. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar expressed confidence in Congress prospects in Assam and addressed recent allegations against him.
On geopolitics and national security, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia outlined India’s ambition to become a builder of trusted digital infrastructure for the world, citing the rapid 5G rollout and village-level 4G connectivity.
Cricket received significant attention. Former India captain Sourav Ganguly praised player freedom and trust as hallmarks of great leadership and named MS Dhoni as the greatest captain due to his World Cup successes. India women’s team bowling coach Aavishkar Salvi credited the BCCI and Women’s Premier League for building a pipeline of world-class talent behind the team’s recent ODI World Cup triumph.
The summit also hosted the inaugural AI² Awards 2026, celebrating the convergence of human creativity and machine intelligence in storytelling and content creation. Poet and kathavachak Kumar Vishwas delivered a nuanced take on India’s concept of Dharma and criticised the recent arrest of an 80-year-old Shankaracharya. Veteran lyricist Sameer Anjaan and storyteller Neelesh Misra reflected on changing music trends and artistic responsibility in the wake of a recent controversy involving Nora Fatehi.
In a country where conversations often run as deep as the Ganges, the WITT Summit proved once again that when leaders, thinkers and storytellers come together, the real winner is public discourse lively, layered and refreshingly unafraid to tackle the big questions shaping India’s tomorrow.
