News Broadcasting
Aaj Tak becomes the world’s first News Channel to be awarded YouTube’s ‘Diamond Play Button’
MUMBAI: India’s No.1 news channel Aaj Tak creates history yet again! The prestigious ‘Diamond Play Button’ bestowed by YouTube, recognises Aaj Tak as the global no.1, the first and the only news channel in the world to have crossed the 10 Million Subscriber mark.
The Award was presented by YouTube to the India Today Group last week. This milestone achievement on YouTube by an Indian channel, puts India right on top of the global news media map. The fact that Aaj Tak is well ahead of the global peers, is a testament to the unshakeable trust and the phenomenal following , Aaj Tak has relentlessly earned over 18 years since inception. The 'Diamond Play Button' is the top honor awarded by YouTube, next only to the Ruby Button at the 50 Million mark
Ms Kalli Purie, Vice-Chairperson, India Today Group on accepting the recognition for the milestone said, “I am so proud that AajTak has won the YouTube Diamond Button, the only news channel in the world to have earned this award. The diamond button is not an overnight success, this is something AajTak has worked very hard towards. We first got the silver button, then the gold button and then finally we got the diamond button at 10 million subscribers. The journey doesn’t stop here, we are ambitious and we are moving ahead, trying and working towards now the YouTube Ruby Button that comes in at 50 million subscribers. And I am sure with the support of our viewers, we will get there too, and we will get there ‘Sabse Tez’.”
Susan Wojcicki, CEO, YouTube in her letter lauding the Aaj Tak YouTube channel for this accomplishment said, “We hope you will accept this Diamond Creator Award as a token of our appreciation and respect for what you have accomplished.” In the letter Susan Wojcicki expressed her amazement at the magnitude of this achievement. She wrote “The 10 Million Mark? At this point we are actually scratching our heads. How on earth did you do that? 10 million subscribers is not just a lot of people. It is more than the entire population of New York City!”
Citing that the Aaj Tak YouTube channel is no longer just a channel but a movement, she added, “You have clearly touched a nerve in the world and you have found a legion of fans who expect – and receive- great things from you.”
An unmatched record of 18 straight years at the numero uno position, helps Aaj Tak beat all its global rivals like BBC News, CNN, ABC News etc. As on 17th January 2019, Aaj Tak has 13.07 million subscribers.
News Broadcasting
News18 India launches Command Centre war explainer with Arya
New show shifts from debates to decoding global conflicts and impacts
MUMBAI: News18 India has rolled out a new war-focused programme, Command Centre, featuring Gaurav Arya, as it looks to offer viewers a sharper, more grounded take on global conflicts amid rising tensions in West Asia.
Positioned as an “insider war room”, the show moves away from conventional panel debates and instead focuses on explaining military developments, decoding strategy and connecting global events to their everyday impact, from fuel prices to economic shifts.
The format leans heavily on visuals and data. The studio has been designed like a command hub, complete with large LED war maps, real-time graphics and an alert system to track developments as they unfold.
At the centre of it all is Arya, who brings his military background to simplify complex war strategies for viewers. His signature line, “Seedhi baat samjhiye”, anchors the show’s promise of clarity over noise.
News18 India managing editor Jyoti Kamal said, “Command Centre, featuring Major Gaurav Arya is designed to deliver accurate insights and a clear perspective on how evolving conflicts impact everyday life, from household budgets to national security. With expert voices analysing every development in real time, the show goes beyond headlines to decode what’s happening now, what it means, and what could come next.”
Echoing the intent, Gaurav Arya added, “In times of war, confusion is the biggest threat. With News18 India’s Command Centre, we are bringing viewers inside the war room, decoding strategies, tracking every escalation, and explaining, in the simplest terms, what it means for India and for every household. Seedhi baat samjhiye, this is where you understand not just what is happening, but what happens next.”
The weekday show will air in the afternoon slot and will also feature Gaurav Shukla, adding to its editorial depth.
With its mix of analysis, visuals and a clear focus on impact, the show reflects a broader shift in news consumption. Viewers are no longer just watching events unfold, they are looking to understand what those events mean for them.
