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Tag: Aman Chopra

  • News18 India stays a cut above as Hindi news crown slips from rival Aaj Tak

    News18 India stays a cut above as Hindi news crown slips from rival Aaj Tak

    MUMBAI: When it comes to news wars, News18 India is scripting the headline itself by clinching the Hindi news crown yet again. The latest BARC report cements its dominance, showing the channel outpacing rival Aaj Tak by a clear margin across both overall and primetime viewership.

    Between Week 32’25 and Week 35’25, News18 India drew a whopping 83,768 AMA’000s, leaving Aaj Tak trailing at 79,108 AMA’000s. The gap widens in the fiercely contested evening primetime slot (6 pm–11 pm), where over 12 weeks (Week 24’25–Week 35’25) News18 India commanded 36,480 AMA’000s, while Aaj Tak managed 27,916 AMA’000s. (Source: BARC | TG: NCCS All 15 plus | HSM).

    This streak of leadership underscores how the channel has become the go-to destination for audiences seeking credible, fast, and impactful journalism. Its combination of breaking news speed, on-ground reporting, and sharp debates has given it a formidable edge in the Hindi-speaking markets.

    Fronting this rise are a powerhouse of star anchors Kishore Ajwani, Amish Devgan, Rubika Liyaquat, Prateek Trivedi, Aman Chopra and Pankaj Bhargava whose shows consistently set the evening agenda with fiery debates and exclusives.

    Part of the larger News18 Network, the channel has also extended its clout beyond TV screens, strengthening its hold across digital platforms to capture viewers wherever they consume news.

    With these numbers, News18 India isn’t just reporting the story, it’s becoming the story, turning primetime battles into a showcase of audience trust and loyalty.

  • News18 reigns supreme as rivals trail in English and Hindi news battle

    News18 reigns supreme as rivals trail in English and Hindi news battle

    MUMBAI: When it comes to the news game, the 18s are playing in a league of their own. CNN-News18 and News18 India have once again flexed their dominance, leaving competitors scrambling to catch up in both English and Hindi news television.

    According to the latest BARC data, CNN-News18 continues to tower over the English news space with a hefty 38.8 per cent market share, while NDTV 24×7 trails at 23.8 per cent and Times Now at a modest 17.0 per cent. (BARC India | Mkt: India | TG: 15 plus | Wk30’25 – 33’25 | 8 Channels considered | Market Share  per cent Basis AMA’000). Ever since BARC ratings resumed in March 2022, CNN-News18 has kept its crown, week after week, making its supremacy look almost effortless.

    The Hindi turf tells a similar story. News18 India clocked 77,918 AMA’000, comfortably ahead of Aaj Tak at 74,546 AMA’000 (BARC | Metric: Avg. Weekly AMA’s | TG: NCCS All 15 plus | Period: Wk 30’25-Wk 33’25, 24 Hrs, All Days | Market: HSM). With anchors like Kishore Ajwani, Amish Devgan, Rubika Liyaquat, Prateek Trivedi, and Aman Chopra fronting its power-packed programming, News18 India continues to be the nation’s preferred pitstop for Hindi news.

    Part of the larger News18 Network, which boasts the country’s biggest omni-channel news presence, both CNN-News18 and News18 India have invested heavily in editorial firepower and technology. The strategy is paying off handsomely, with the network cementing its place as India’s most-watched and trusted news giant proving that in the battle for eyeballs, the house of 18 is still the boss.

  • News18 India leaves rivals behind with top TRPs and a 17 per cent lead

    News18 India leaves rivals behind with top TRPs and a 17 per cent lead

    MUMBAI: The ratings are in, and News18 India has clearly won the prime-time war no breaking news ticker needed. According to the latest BARC data (Week 29, 2025), the channel has cemented its top spot in the Hindi news genre, outpacing Aaj Tak by a wide 17 per cent margin in Average Minute Audience (AMA). News18 India recorded a market share of 13.9 per cent with 75,225 AMA’000s, while Aaj Tak trailed with 11.9 per cent and 64,332 AMA’000s. (Source: BARC | Metric: Avg. Weekly AMA’000s | TG: NCCS All 15+ | Period: Wk 29’25, 24 Hrs, All Days | Market: HSM).

    These figures reaffirm News18 India’s reign as the most-watched Hindi news channel in the country, a title it has held through a blend of editorial depth, impactful anchors, and an expansive national footprint.

    Driving this dominance is a high-octane line-up of anchors including Kishore Ajwani, Amish Devgan, Rubika Liyaquat, Prateek Trivedi, and Aman Chopra. The channel’s programming, especially around major news events, is frequently backed by real-time field reports from its wide network of correspondents, keeping the pulse of the nation at its fingertips.

    But it’s not just bodies in the field the backbone is strong in tech and storytelling. With an editorial engine bolstered by cutting-edge presentation and a viewer-first curation strategy, News18 India continues to innovate how news is consumed.

    The channel forms the flagship of the News18 Network, India’s largest news network, which boasts 14 regional channels, reaches 26 states, and broadcasts in 15 languages, offering a footprint that few can rival.

    In a fiercely competitive news market, News18 India’s latest numbers show that it’s not just breaking news, it’s breaking away from the pack.

  • News18 India plans five-days of programming from Varanasi

    News18 India plans five-days of programming from Varanasi

    Mumbai: News 18 India, a Hindi news channel, has lined up extensive programming including on-ground events, mega debates, exclusive interviews and interactive shows from Varanasi to cover PM Modi’s visit to the city for filing his Lok Sabha nomination. The mega coverage – Loktantra Ka Mahaparv – is lined up from 10 to 14 May.

    Commencing on 10 May, News18 India will have its team of seasoned reporters and anchors stationed at ground zero, poised to provide viewers with real-time updates. Channel’s popular evening shows like “Goonj” anchored by Rubika Liyaquat and “Desh Nahi Jhukne Denge” anchored by Aman Chopra will also telecast from Varanasi.

    The reporters will conduct multiple interviews, and will gather public opinion on the on-going election. The channel will also be doing a special on-ground event on 11 May.

    As excitement mounts for Prime Minister Narender Modi’s “Big Road Show” on 13 May, News18 India will cover every moment of this much anticipated event. This will be followed by the coverage of the PM filling his nomination papers from the Varanasi lok sabha seat on 14 May. The channel will also telecast a special edition of its immensely popular show “Lapete Mein Netaji” anchored by Kishore Ajwani, direct from Varanasi.

    Keep watching Sabse Bada Dangal – Loktantra Ka Mahaparv through the day on News18 India from 10 to 14 May.

  • News18 India tops BARC ratings in Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha coverage

    News18 India tops BARC ratings in Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha coverage

    Mumbai: During the coverage of the historic inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, News18 India continued to be the viewer’s top choice. It garnered the highest viewership in the week of the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha – a testimony to the superlative quality of coverage and content that it brought to the viewers. 

    Channel

    AMA 000’s

    News18 India

    94,848

    Aaj Tak

    93,276

    Republic Bharat

    81,267

    India TV

    80,109

     

    During the crucial week of coverage of the consecration, News18 India secured 9.48 crore AMAs, claiming for itself the top spot in the category. Source: BARC |Metric: AMA’s | TG: NCCS All 15+ | Period: Wk 04’24, All Days, 24 Hrs |Market:HSM | 14 channels considered

    The channel’s endeavour was to bring truly diverse content that allowed viewers to experience the grandeur of the occasion. News18 India had the biggest and the most high-profile line-up of anchors on ground in Ayodhya including Kishore Ajwani, Amish Devgan, Prateek Trivedi, Aman Chopra, Rubika Liyaquat and Pankaj Bhargav. Multiple locations were used including a grand set that was built on the banks of the Saryu to capture the true essence of the festivities happening all around Ayodhya.

    From a Kavi Sammelan and on-ground events to documentaries, different formats were used to create really riveting programming. Innovative production techniques and graphics were used to deliver an enhanced viewer experience. Staying true to its legacy of bringing a fresh and clutter-breaking approach to high news-value event, News18 India’s compelling coverage of this momentous occasion ensured that channel continued to remain the most watched channel in the genre.

  • News18 India lines up the biggest coverage of Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha Live from Ground Zero

    News18 India lines up the biggest coverage of Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha Live from Ground Zero

    Mumbai: India’s No.1 Hindi news channel, News18 India, is all set to bring the biggest and most exciting coverage of the consecration ceremony of Ram Mandir from Ayodhya. The channel’s anchor line-up including managing editor Kishore Ajwani, Amish Devgan, Rubika Liyaqat, Prateek Trivedi, Aman Chopra, and Pankaj Bhargav are all present in the town. They endeavour to bring all the latest updates and minute details for the viewers so that they do not miss being physically there. The channel is committed to offer the most in-depth and incomparable coverage of this momentous event.

    Stay tuned to News18 India on 22 January from 9 AM onwards for the most comprehensive live coverage of Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha.

  • News18 lines up the biggest counting day coverage on 3 December

    News18 lines up the biggest counting day coverage on 3 December

    Mumbai: As the much-anticipated counting day for state elections in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Mizoram draws near, News18 Network is all set to bring the most incisive, comprehensive, and accurate minute-to-minute updates on the same. The Network’s coverage will kick-off at 6 am on the 3 December and will consist of live reporting, real-time updates, and in-depth analysis, featuring top anchors, experts, and prominent political leaders throughout the day.

    News18 India’s coverage will be spearheaded by the channel’s managing editor Kishore Ajwani and will also feature the channel’s top anchors and editors including Amish Devgan, Prateek Trivedi, Aman Chopra, and Anand Narasimhan. The channel will focus on the incoming trends and results as they come in and will provide viewers with perspective through sharp analysis and thoughtful discussions.

    News18 Rajasthan and News18 Madhya Pradesh will of course be in the thick of the action and will be reporting extensively from the ground bringing to the viewers interaction with regional leaders, candidates and tracking the mood of the poll at an unprecedented scale.

    News18 Network has over the year built a formidable reputation for its coverage of elections across the country. The Network will strive to build on this same legacy and bring to the viewers coverage of these elections that is unmatched in both its breadth and depth.

    Tune in to News18 India, News18 Rajasthan, and News18 Madhya Pradesh/Chhattisgarh to watch the LIVE updates of the Counting Day on 3 December from 6 am onwards.

  • Super exclusive News18 India interview with Smriti Irani

    Super exclusive News18 India interview with Smriti Irani

    Mumbai: News18 India recently aired a super exclusive interview with Smriti Zubin Irani, the union minister for women and child development. The highly-anticipated interview, conducted by renowned anchor Aman Chopra, touched upon several critical topics, including the longstanding demand for women’s reservation, political strategies, and the role of the Congress party in shaping the discourse.

    In a candid conversation, Smriti Irani highlighted the historical significance of the demand for women’s reservation, emphasizing that it dates back to the time of the Constitution’s formation. She pointed out that despite the demand persisting for 75 years, the government successfully took historic steps within 72 hours to address this issue.

    Addressing the Congress party’s role in women’s reservation, Smriti Irani stated that their policy was clear, but questioned why, during the UPA era when they had a full majority, they failed to pass the bill and allowed it to lapse. She also noted that Sonia Gandhi was absent from the floor during the voting and introduction of the bill.

    Furthermore, Smriti Irani disputed the Congress party’s attempt to credit Rajiv Gandhi for the women’s reservation bill, calling it a false claim. She pointed out that P.V. Narasimha Rao ensured women’s reservation in Panchayati Raj, but the Congress party did not acknowledge his contribution.

    Smriti Irani also criticised the Congress party for its derogatory comments about women and their lack of support for the bill. She highlighted the insensitive remarks made by some of their allies and questioned their commitment to women’s empowerment.

    Regarding Rahul Gandhi’s recent statements about the bill, Smriti Irani clarified that the Constitution, in Article 82, clearly outlines the process of providing reserved seats, including census, delimitation, and then implementation. She criticised Rahul Gandhi’s oversimplification of complex issues and urged him to understand the intricacies involved.

    Smriti Irani also questioned Rahul Gandhi’s newfound focus on OBCs, reminding the public of his past statements about the prime minister’s caste. She pointed out that the Modi government has been continuously targeted for nine years, even when the prime minister’s mother was alive. She highlighted the significant representation of OBCs in the BJP and questioned whether the Congress party had ever genuinely promoted OBC interests.

    In the interview, Smriti Irani criticised the Gandhi family for their remote control approach to the economy and their habit of visiting religious places before elections. She accused them of repeatedly insulting religious sentiments for electoral gains.

    In conclusion, Smriti Irani emphasised that the Congress party’s approach to issues like women’s reservation and religion has been divisive and opportunistic. She called for a more informed and responsible discourse in Indian politics.

  • I.N.D.I.A’s journo boycott & what it means

    I.N.D.I.A’s journo boycott & what it means

    MUMBAI: The lines have been clearly drawn. I.N.D.I.A the ragtag coalition of various political parties has named and “shamed” journalists with whom its members will not have any tuck.

    Amongst them: Republic founder Arnab Goswami, Aaj Tak anchors Chitra Tripathi and Sudhir Choudhary, Network18’s Aman Chopra, Amish Devgan and Anand Narasimham, India Today’s  Gaurav Sawant and Shiv Aroor, Bharat Express’ Aditi Tyagi, Times Now’s Sushant Sinha and Navika Kumar, India TV’s Prachi Parashar, DD News’ Ashok Shrivastava, and Bharat24’s Rubika Liyaquat.

    I.N.D.I.A’s media coordination committee said that none of its members will go into their studios and get into conversation with any of the 14 who have been named in their advisory. The reasoning: they are anti opposition and pro – the ruling party at the Centre.

    Media observers are questioning I.N.D.I.A’s decision. While it is true that signals are being sent out to these media houses as well as to the coalition’s fans that there is a schism in the news media itself and they are open to take journos on, will I.N.D.I.A’s members be deprived of sharing their opinions to a large section of voter-viewers these channels and anchors command. Will that work against the coalition and in favour of the BJP?

    The I.N.D.I.A boycott is also a warning to the news channel’s promoters that they would be deprived of important government spending on ads should any members of the group get elected in the centre or at the state levels. And that will definitely hurt as government spending contributes substantially to many news channel’s health.

    The boycott list also has a few surprises: no anchor from the TV9 network has been named in it. The latter network has often been accused of toeing the BJP line by some segments. So either the accusations have been way off the mark or the TV9’s heft has grown so much that I.N.D.I.A does not want to mess with it. The ABP network too has been spared by the coalition. One has often heard its CEO moan and groan how it has been targeted and deprived of public sector and government spending because it takes a balanced view in its reportage.  However, the group’s alleged proximity to the Congress top brass has often been gossiped about. Then surprisingly journalists of the Subhash Chandra helmed Zee News have been spared by the coalition.

    Are the exemptions and errors is what some media specialists are asking?

    Media observers are also raising their eyebrows on how long can I.N.D.I.A continue with its journalist hate and boycott  list? And whether this step will force the named journos to become more balanced in their news and views. Or at least appear to be non-partisan. Most are sniggering that I.N.D.I.A’s hardline stance is misguided and directed and will not make a difference to the anchors. They state that by trying to “muzzle” the media, they are doing exactly what the current dispensation would like them to do.

    Of course, they and the trolls will continue to make merry on social media. As will the social media bots from the coalition opposition grouping, from the BJP social media punters and from the journos’ supporters running into millions.

    Clearly, while the I.N.D.I.A boycott may end up being short lived for all purposes, it seems to have left an impact in the world of media.

    Is this boycott a right/ethical thing to do? Share your views on our social media.

  • News18 India launches ad campaign to announce its dominance in Hindi news segment

    News18 India launches ad campaign to announce its dominance in Hindi news segment

    Mumbai: News18 India has launched a 360-degree media campaign to showcase its dominance in the Hindi news segment.

    The Hindi news channel released a page one ad in all editions of Economic Times to showcase its leadership in the genre. The campaign will also go live on digital and social media, with extensive visibility on trade media as well.

    The ad campaign launched in Tuesday’s Economic Times newspaper highlights News18’s comprehensive lead over Aaj Tak on TV as well as digital. The TV data shows that Aaj Tak has captured 8 Cr. AMA’s, much lower than News18 India, which garnered 8.88 cr. AMA’s. (Source: BARC | Metric: AMA’s | TG: NCCS All 15+ | Period: Wk 32’23, 24 Hours, All days | Market: HSM)

    On the digital front, News18 India received 27 per cent more video views on Facebook compared to Aaj Tak in July. (Source: Crowdtangle, July, 2023) Moreover, News18 India was also ahead of Aaj Tak by 12 per cent in terms of YouTube views last month. (Source: Databeings, Video Views, Stats as of August 5 for all videos uploaded in July, 2023)

    The targeted campaign with a hard-hitting, striking creative breaks the category code to drive home the message, and reiterates News18’s prominence in the Hindi news segment with a high impact.

    News18 India has established a steady leadership in Hindi news segment for over a year now. By capitalizing on engaged viewership, bolstered by top prime time anchors such as Kishore Ajwani, Amish Devgan, Aman Chopra and Prateek Trivedi, News18 India aims to grow its market share, elevate brand perception and forge a deeper advertiser connection on the back of its increasing visibility.