News Broadcasting
News18 India tops Aaj Tak again with fact-first firepower during Operation Sindoor
MUMBAI: In a ratings war where credibility has become the real battleground, News18 India once again edged out arch-rival Aaj Tak, clinching the crown as the most-watched Hindi news channel during Operation Sindoor, as per Barc data. While the nation held its breath during the Pahalgam terror strike and the ensuing India-Pakistan standoff, viewers chose their go-to: the one that stuck to facts.
News18 India has now been perched at the top for three consecutive years, clocking an average of 78,179 AMA’000s, outperforming Aaj Tak’s 72,964. The data (Barc, AMA’000s | TG: NCCS All 15+ | Period: Wk 20’22-19’25 | 24 Hrs, All Days | HSM) reaffirms its sustained grip on Hindi news viewership.
The channel also led in cumulative reach with a towering 5,92,801 against Aaj Tak’s 5,77,077 during the same three-year stretch (Barc, Cume Reach 000s | TG: NCCS All 2+ | All India).
It wasn’t just consistency—it was timeliness. From the first shot fired in Pahalgam to the final word on the ceasefire, News18 India led the narrative. Between 22 April and 16 May 2025, it racked up 3,56,249 AMA’000s in comparison to Aaj Tak’s 3,43,934 (BARC, Gross AMA’000s | HSM).
During the same timeframe, News18 India’s cumulative reach surged to 2,03,774, while Aaj Tak trailed at 1,85,359 (BARC, Cume Reach’000s | HSM).
The decisive moment came during India’s DGMO press briefings. While most were fumbling facts, News18 India reported that Pakistan’s DGMO had reached out to discuss a ceasefire—before anyone else. On 11-12 May, the channel recorded 665 AMA’000s, nudging past Aaj Tak’s 650 (BARC, AMA’000s | HSM).
While many chased clicks, News18 India chased clarity. From real-time coverage to unfiltered analysis, it gave audiences what they needed—truth without the theatrics. That trust, built story by story, is now reflected in cold, hard numbers.
News Broadcasting
UDF poised to return to power in Kerala, says Manorama-CVoter survey
Massive opinion poll projects shift in Kerala politics ahead of 2026 Assembly elections.
MUMBAI: The winds of change appear to be blowing through Kerala’s political landscape and this time, they seem to favour the United Democratic Front. A comprehensive mega opinion survey conducted by Manorama News in partnership with CVoter projects a potential comeback for the UDF in the upcoming Kerala Legislative Assembly Elections 2026. The survey, covering all 140 constituencies with a massive sample size of nearly 90,000 respondents, predicts the UDF could win between 69 and 81 seats.
The ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) is expected to secure 57 to 69 seats, a significant drop from the 99 seats it won in the 2021 elections. This would mean the LDF losing 30 to 42 of its sitting seats. Meanwhile, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which drew a blank in 2021, is projected to open its account with 1 to 5 seats.
Region-wise, the UDF is expected to make strong gains in Malabar, winning 25 to 34 out of 48 seats, and in Central Kerala, where it could bag 29 to 33 out of 53 seats. In South Kerala, the LDF is likely to retain an edge with 21 to 25 seats, while the UDF may improve to 12 to 16 seats. The NDA could pick up 1 to 3 seats in the southern region.
The survey was conducted between 14 and 26 March 2026, with additional tracker and snap polls carried out from December 2025 to March 2026. A total of 89,693 respondents participated, ensuring representation across all demographics and social segments.
Manorama News has a strong track record of accuracy, with its previous projections closely matching the actual results of the 2019 and 2024 Lok Sabha elections as well as the 2021 Kerala Assembly polls.
In Kerala’s famously fierce political battles, this survey suggests the pendulum may be swinging back. Whether the final verdict matches these numbers or throws up another surprise, one thing is clear, the 2026 Assembly elections are shaping up to be one of the most keenly watched contests in the state’s history.
