News Broadcasting
ETV Rajasthan dominates competition
New Delhi: In the intensely competitive regional news genre in Rajasthan, ETV Rajasthan has established itself as a clear and dominant No. 1 channel. According to ETV Rajasthan’s interpretation of BARC data, with a market share of 78%*, the channel is clearly the preferred choice for the people of Rajasthan. The year 2017 saw ETV Rajasthan grow by leaps and bound – in fact the channel’s impressions jumped by 410%** in the time period Week 01, 2017 to Week 01, 2018. As per the latest BARC data, the channel’s market share is almost 5 times that of its nearest competition and is 3.6 times that of all other channels combined*.
In the critical evening prime time band, ETV Rajasthan is 5.8 times ahead of the nearest compeition.***
The brand had refreshed its screen look & programming line-up in 2017. The refreshed content and fresh packaging has clearly appealed to the viewers and this is clearly reflecting in the channels’ growing ratings.
Commenting on the channel’s success Rajesh Raina, Group Editor – ETV Network said “ETV Rajasthan’s strength has always been both its unmatched coverage of news from across the state as well as the fact that it has raised issues that have a direct and significant impact on its viewers. It is this that has enabled the channel to build tremendous equity with the people in the state. ”
Avinash Kaul, President- Network18 and MD- A+E Networks/TV18 commenting on the channel’s performance said “The people of Rajasthan have made their choice clear and we are thankful that they have overwhelmingly chosen ETV Rajasthan their channel of choice. We would like to reaffirm our commitment to pursuing the highest quality of journalism. We are confident that our focus on excellence will ensure that ETV Rajasthan will continue to remain the dominant player and a clear leader in the state.”
*Source: BARC India, TG: 15+, Market: Rajasthan, Time Period: Week 01 ’18, 24 hours
**Source: BARC India, TG: 15+, Market: Rajasthan, Time Period: Week 01 ’17 – Week 01 ’18, 24 hours
***Source: BARC | TG: 2+ | Market: Rajasthan | Period: Week 50’17-Week1’18 (1800 – 2300) hours
News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 rolls out Battle for the States ahead of key polls
Multi-format election coverage tracks voter mood across five battleground states
NEW DELHI: CNN-News18 has launched a special election programming initiative titled Battle for the States, as India gears up for high-stakes Assembly elections across West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry.
Built around the theme ‘Road to Power’, the multi-format coverage aims to follow the entire electoral journey, from campaigning and polling to results and government formation. The network is leaning into on-ground reportage and data-backed storytelling to decode voter sentiment across regions where local issues often shape the narrative.
The programming line-up includes ‘Vote Tracker’, a three-part series developed in collaboration with survey agency Vote Vibe. The show blends survey insights with expert commentary and field reporting, using augmented reality graphics to present complex electoral data such as vote share, seat projections and leadership preferences in a more accessible format. It will air every Monday evening until April 6.
Adding a cultural lens to political reporting is ‘So Saree!’, a ground-driven segment where women anchors travel across constituencies dressed in traditional handwoven sarees from each state. The format uses attire as a storytelling device, highlighting regional identity while capturing grassroots voices.
Meanwhile, ‘Unfiltered Kaapi’ and ‘Chai-Niti’ bring a more conversational tone, drawing inspiration from everyday political discussions in tea stalls and coffee corners. These segments aim to break down key issues through candid, fast-paced exchanges between anchors and reporters, tailored to regional sensibilities.
For viewers seeking deeper insights, the weekend docuseries ‘Reporters Project’ takes a longer view, with correspondents travelling across constituencies to map voter concerns and political shifts on the ground.
“Elections are about people, their aspirations, identities and the issues that matter to them, and every state tells a different story,” said CNN-News18 editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar. He added that the initiative focuses on understanding “the sentiment on the ground and what’s driving voter choices”.
Echoing the emphasis on credibility, Network18 CEO – English and business news Smriti Mehra said the network aims to combine on-ground reporting with data-led insights to deliver clear and timely coverage as the elections unfold.
With a mix of data, culture and grassroots reporting, CNN-News18 is positioning Battle for the States as a comprehensive window into one of India’s most closely watched electoral cycles, where every vote carries a story waiting to be told.
