News Broadcasting
Star News claims to be one up on others during Maharashtra election week
MUMBAI: While the political battle for the position of Chief Minister in Maharashtra is still being waged, Star News has emerged the clear winner in the war of the news channels as far as the viewer’s share is concerned.
According to the latest Tam ratings for election week (9-16 October) within the core news viewing audience (C&S, Male, 25+, SEC A,B,C) in Maharashtra, Star News leads with a market share of 27 per cent within prime time (7 pm – 11.59 pm).
The all day market share for the same audience and market is 24 per cent for Star News, which makes it a joint number one.
Also on the two most important days of the electoral process – 13 October (polling and exit polls) and 16 October (counting day) Star News is the number one news channel with a market share of 25 per cent and 29 per cent respectively in Maharashtra.
In terms of time spent for the same audience and market Star News occupies the top spot with 67 minutes for the entire week whereas Aaj Tak is a distant second with 57 minutes. Within the C&S, 15+ All SEC’s group too, Star News comes a close second in Maharashtra for the entire week as well as on polling and counting days, says an official communiqué from the channel.
Star News’ counting day special – Kaun Banega Mukhyamantri – Aapka Hukum – has also featured as one of the top five shows of the category.
Star News’ Pehli Tasveer (first opinion poll) – was way ahead of the competition with 63 per cent viewer share, and the closest competitor NDTV was way behind with its Jeet Uski Janta Jiski at just 19 per cent. Star News also came up trumps with its second opinion poll – Taaza Tasveer that grabbed the viewer’s attention.
As per the latest figures Star News scored the highest amongst viewers in Mumbai too on all parameters including ‘all-day’ viewing and ‘prime time’ viewing for the entire week and on the crucial ‘polling day’ and ‘counting’ day.
Also credible is the fact that the channel was the only one who’s exit poll predictions were almost bang on target.
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.
