ITV

Tag: BARC

  • TV news explodes as Operation Sindoor captures India’s attention

    TV news explodes as Operation Sindoor captures India’s attention

    MUMBAI: TV news viewership in India rocketed during the week of 3 to 9 May, driven by the high-octane drama of Operation Sindoor —a military blitz by Indian armed forces against terror hubs in Pakistan.

    Broadcast Audience Research Council (Barc) India reported a staggering 507 million viewers tuning into news content that week—the highest weekly total since 2022. Over the three critical days (7-9 May), news grabbed 16 per cent of total TV viewing, up from its usual 6 per cent slice.

    Hindi news channels led the charge, clocking 254 gross rating points (GRPs), smashing previous highs seen during the 2024 Lok Sabha election results and major state elections. Viewer engagement spiked, with the average time spent on Hindi news jumping to 60 minutes—a 67 per cent rise over pre-operation weeks.

    The frenzy peaked during ministry of external affairs (MEA) briefings on the operation. The first briefing on Wednesday sent viewership soaring by 509 per cent. Thursday and Friday briefings saw gains of 125 per cent and 242 per cent, respectively.

    Operation Sindoor also brought 65 million fresh eyes to Hindi news—viewers who hadn’t touched the genre in the previous month. Daily tune-ins nearly doubled, leaping from 73 million to 142 million.

    In the Hindi-speaking market (HSM 2+), the news genre’s share of TV content surged from three per cent to 13 per cent, with the 15+ age group soaring from four per cent to 15 per cent—outstripping the 2016 surgical strikes.

    Barc India said the data reaffirms television’s enduring role as the go-to medium for news during major national events, underscoring its unparalleled reach and influence.

  • PAL in demand Sony’s free channel strikes gold with GRP and reach gains

    PAL in demand Sony’s free channel strikes gold with GRP and reach gains

    MUMBAI: Sony PAL is no longer flying under the radar, it’s soaring. The Free-to-Air Hindi GEC from Sony Pictures Networks India has emerged as the fastest growing player in the Hindi-speaking markets, making its mark with a potent mix of classic crowd-pullers and strategic programming.

    According to BARC data (NCCS 15 plus, HSM U+R, Week 14 to 17, 2025), Sony PAL clocked a record 15.6 per cent weekly reach in Week 17 more than any other FTA Hindi general entertainment channel. If that wasn’t enough to raise industry eyebrows, the channel also posted a 51 per cent jump in GRPs over just four weeks, securing its place in the country’s living rooms and lounge-time routines.

    So, what’s fuelling this prime-time leap? The answer lies in a nostalgic but effective playbook: shows like Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah and The Kapil Sharma Show television’s equivalent of comfort food now offered on the FTA platter for the first time. These fan-favourite titles have become PAL’s not-so-secret sauce for drawing multi-generational audiences.

    While other networks chase trends, Sony PAL is doubling down on familiarity and family-friendly fare, positioning itself as the channel of choice for all-day, every-age entertainment. With its strategic shift to unlock premium legacy content for free access, the channel is not only expanding reach but also reasserting relevance in a saturated GEC space.

    In a rapidly changing TV landscape, Sony PAL’s performance proves that good old storytelling when delivered smartly still has the power to win hearts, TRPs, and market share.

     

  • Pro Panja League season two returns to Sony Sports on 5 August 2025

    Pro Panja League season two returns to Sony Sports on 5 August 2025

    MUMBAI: Pro Panja League, is set to return with its second season on Sony Sports Network from 5 August 2025, right after the India vs England cricket series wraps up. The league will air daily for two hours on Sony Sports Ten 3 channels (SD and HD), ensuring viewers enjoy an uninterrupted run of top-tier sporting action.

    Riding high on the success of its debut edition, the tournament known for its IPL-style franchise format promises 17 action-packed days of gripping arm wrestling battles as top athletes from across India clash for glory. Season one saw Kochi KD’s emerge as champions after a nail-biting final.

    The comeback of Pro Panja comes amid growing enthusiasm for the sport. Season one attracted 32 million unique viewers across Sony Sports and Doordarshan, outperforming several new sporting leagues in India, according to BARC data.

    Pro Panja League co-founder Parvinn Dabass said, “The response to our first season was beyond expectations. Arm wrestling has evolved into a professional sport with rising athlete standards and packed arenas our Mizoram showcase saw crowds of up to 20,000. Season two will raise the bar even higher.”

    With elevated production, intense rivalries, and a fan base that’s rapidly expanding, Pro Panja League is poised to become a household favourite, bringing the thrill of raw strength and strategy into living rooms nationwide.

  • CNN-News18 dominates as India’s top english news channel for three years

    CNN-News18 dominates as India’s top english news channel for three years

    MUMBAI: CNN-News18 has reinforced its position as holding the top spot in BARC ratings for three consecutive years. This remarkable achievement underscores the channel’s commitment to credible, insightful, and engaging journalism.

    To celebrate this milestone, CNN-News18 has unveiled a bold new visual identity, prioritising immersive storytelling with fewer words and more powerful visuals. The redesign delivers a sleeker, cleaner aesthetic, enhancing the on-screen experience and setting a new standard in news presentation.

    The revamped format embraces a One Screen, One Form, One Stream approach, seamlessly integrating content across TV and digital platforms. This convergence-first strategy ensures news is dynamic, interactive, and future-ready. The channel also introduces documentary-style reportage, delivering in-depth analysis with a focus on exclusivity and diversity.

    For three consecutive years, CNN-News18 has remained at the top, consistently outperforming rivals such as Republic TV, Times Now, and India Today TV.

    English & Business News, Network18 CEO Smriti Mehra said, “This milestone is about more than numbers—it is about trust. Our audience expects the best in journalism, and this transformation ensures they receive a world-class news experience.”

    CNN-News18 managing editor Zakka Jacob added,  “Our focus on depth over sensationalism has been key to our dominance. The new look reinforces our commitment to evolving storytelling formats while maintaining accuracy and impact.”

    In a rapidly changing world, CNN-News18 has remained steadfast in its pursuit of factual, analytical, and incisive journalism. The channel’s success is driven by its team of seasoned journalists and anchors, including Jacob, Anand Narasimhan, and Rahul Shivshankar, who deliver sharp analysis and in-depth coverage of critical issues.  

  • Network18 makes headlines again: The unrivalled king of Indian news

    Network18 makes headlines again: The unrivalled king of Indian news

    MUMBAI: Network18 just dropped a truth bomb on the front page of The Economic Times, and it’s impossible to ignore. The media giant flexed its leadership in the Indian news ecosystem with a striking ad, leaving no doubt about who rules the ratings.

    With an unbeatable track record, Network18 continues to be the go-to source for news, clocking the highest overall TV reach (1,78,957 Average Reach000s)—yes, even surpassing the leading general entertainment channel! (Source: BARC | Metric: Average Reach000s | TG: 15+ | Period: Wk 53’24 – 03’25 | Market: All India). If that’s not enough, it also secured the top spot in average minute audience (AMA) with 2,04,029 AMA 000s. (Source: BARC | Metric: AMA 000s, TG:15+ | Period: Wk 03’25, Market: All India, News channel networks). Oh, and let’s not forget the 20 channels broadcasting in a record 12 languages—talk about news for everyone, everywhere!

    Network18 has been setting records and taking names. The network boasts an incredible lineup of leading channels that dominate every news segment:

    . CNN-News18: The reigning number one English news channel since BARC ratings resumed more than two years ago.

    .  News18 India: The undisputed king of Hindi news for two consecutive years.

    .  CNBC-TV18: The heavyweight champion of English business news, maintaining an iron grip on viewership.

    Not content with just television dominance, Network18 has been making waves in the digital space too:

    . Moneycontrol: More than 100 million unique visitors and a staggering 1 million paid subscribers on Moneycontrol Pro—a financial powerhouse like no other.

    . Firstpost: With 6.8 million YouTube subscribers, it’s the fastest-growing Indian news platform on the video giant.

    And in the regional markets? You guessed it—News18 channels are leading the pack, cementing Network18’s dominance across India’s linguistic and cultural landscape.

    With record-breaking viewership, it’s no surprise that Network18 is the preferred news network for advertisers (Source: TAM Adex | Period: FY 24-25 till 17 Jan | All genre). Whether it’s business, politics, or entertainment, Network18 delivers credibility, reach, and engagement like no other.

     

  • Live Times founder Dilip Kumar Singh and his news story

    Live Times founder Dilip Kumar Singh and his news story

    MUMBAI: This is a news channel that seems to be getting Indian viewers’ attention. At least if one goes by BARC numbers for average time spent  (ATS) among the 15+ demographic.

    A press release issued by Live Times, says the global multicast news hub, managed to get an ATS of around 10 minutes  across India and Hindi speaking markets in the past four weeks.The ATS for urban areas like Mumbai was at a remarkable 21 minutes while for Delhi it was  over eight minutes in week 51.  

    “The exceptional ATS numbers are a testament to the trust and loyalty of our viewers, who turn to us for news that not only respects their intelligence but also prioritises the truth. This accomplishment strongly affirms Live Times’ commitment to providing news that people can rely on. Our audience seeks more than just headlines; they desire information that empowers, educates, and inspires,” says Live Times founder & CEO Dilip Kumar Singh. 

    According to him, Live Times’ success is rooted in its unique value proposition—delivering real-time, authentic and accurate news and information that connects deeply with audiences across demographics. With a steadfast commitment to uncovering the truth and addressing public issues that matter, Live Times has become a beacon of reliable news for millions, adds Singh. 

    He points out that at Live Times, it’s all about the interest of viewers. Flagship shows like Live Pradesh, Delhi Ke Dil Mein Kya Hai, and Live Express bring the news closer to home, diving into the stories that shape the audience’s day and impact their future. “Whether it’s breaking headlines, in-depth analyses, or uncovering the stories behind the scenes, Live Times delivers journalism that connects and empowers.” he says. 

    Singh believes that “for advertisers, Live Times offers a golden opportunity to connect with an engaged, diverse audience. By aligning with a platform rooted in integrity and trust, brands can ensure their message resonates deeply and authentically.”

    Are  advertisers listening?

  • Dubai-based Landmark Reach hires Vivek Mishra as head of audience

    Dubai-based Landmark Reach hires Vivek Mishra as head of audience

    MUMBAI: He spent a good five years at Broadcast Audience Research Council (Barc India) between 2017 and 2022 as vice-president digital products & business. Vivek Mishra  then moved on to Dubai to work with Aqilliz – a Saas platform – for a couple of years. At Aqilliz, he  led the development of innovative data solutions across multiple markets, building privacy-compliant audience targeting solutions and managing large-scale data implementations.

    And now Vivek has joined  Landmark Reach, Landmark Group’s retail media team as head of audience in Dubai  The Landmark group  has  over 2,000 retail stores across the Middle East, India and south east Asia.

    “Vivek will be instrumental in developing our audience strategy, leveraging our first-party data from millions of loyalty customers to create value for our brand partners across the Landmark group ecosystem and the open internet. Looking forward to the impact he’ll make in shaping the future of our retail media business across the trinity of channels,” said head of media retail Landmark group Sohail Nawaz in a post on Linkedin.

    Prior to Barc, Vivek had stints with Nielsen and Tata Consultancy Service in the US.

     

  • TAM seeks to re-enter TV ratings: Storyboard18 report

    TAM seeks to re-enter TV ratings: Storyboard18 report

    MUMBAI: The TV ratings saga in India has got a new twist, if Network18’s Storyboard18 is to be believed. According to an unconfirmed report filed with it, the erstwhile TV viewership monitoring body TAM Media is seeking to take a majority stake in its 49: 51 joint venture with BARC – Meterology Data  Pvt Ltd (MDPL), the meter management company which manages panel operations for India’s  current TV audience measurement system.

    MDPL deploys and maintains the meters that form the TV panel, as per sample design specifications and guidelines laid down by the BARC technical committee, and supplies raw data to it which in turn provides it to channels, agencies and marketers.

    To get some perspective, TAM has been pursuing the ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB) to issue it a licence to monitor viewership of India’s television landscape, a role it performed prior to BARC taking charge, following a section of the industry’s disgruntlement with the former. But the MIB has yet to decide on its application.

    Currently, management control of MDPL lies in BARC’s hands,  which provides TV viewership figures, while TAM provides advertising expenditure, radio listenership and sports related data.

    A section of the industry believes that with TAM taking majority control of MDPL, a reverse merger between the two would be a logical conclusion, the storyboard18 report states, quoting anonymous sources, The other option is that TAM gets a licence and television in India has two ratings agencies, which will be unaffordable to the media and advertising industry because of the huge costs involved, explains the storyboard18 report.

     It adds that TAM (a 50:50 joint venture between Nielsen and Kantar Media) will also have to undergo shareholding structural changes with media agency Group M exiting from Kantar Media (on account of conflict of interest, as per Indian regulations) before the MIB can issue it a licence. 

    Picture courtesy Hathway annual report)

  • Sony Sports Network sets new benchmark for football broadcasting in India

    Sony Sports Network sets new benchmark for football broadcasting in India

    Mumbai: Sony Sports Network has set new benchmarks in the Indian sports broadcasting landscape, showcasing the immense growth of football viewership across diverse demographics. The growing popularity of European football in India is undeniable, with an increasing fan base eagerly following international tournaments like the Euros. This trend reflects a broader shift in sports preferences among Indian audiences, presenting Sony Sports Network with opportunities to expand its influence in the sports broadcasting landscape.

    From August 2023 to July 2024, the network has delivered an impressive 2,177 hours of live football coverage, the highest among all sports broadcasters in India. Likewise, Sony Sports has also recorded the most viewership for football on Pay Sports channels in India with 63.3 GRPs and an overall reach of 85.7 million among pay sports channels for all Live + Non-Live SOCCER (BARC) for the period from 1 August 2023 to 31 July 2024. (TG: BARC, All India Male 15+ ABC, SOCCER). It also has the highest reach among pay sports channels for all Live + Non-Live SOCCER (BARC) for the period from 1 August 2023 to 31 July 2024 (TG: BARC, All India CS 2+, SOCCER). This staggering amount of airtime showcases the network’s commitment to bringing the beautiful game to millions of fans across the country.

    Sony Sports Network is the exclusive home to a wide array of prestigious football properties. This includes the highly anticipated UEFA EURO 2028, one of the most celebrated tournaments in international football. Similarly, they hold broadcasting rights for the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Europa Conference League, and UEFA Nations League, among others.

    The network also covers the European Qualifiers, UEFA Youth League, international friendlies, the Emirates FA Cup, Bundesliga, Roshn Saudi League, and the DFB Pokal. This vast array of football content ensures that viewers have access to a comprehensive and diverse range of football action, from elite European club competitions to global international fixtures.

    Starting from the 2024/25 season, the UEFA Champions League will adopt a new format that includes 36 clubs competing in a Swiss league system. This change introduces four additional teams, providing more opportunities for clubs to face Europe’s elite.

    Fans can look forward to a continuous flow of European club football from August to May, as the tournament will no longer have a January break. The revamped format will see a remarkable 51 per cent increase in matches, adding over 125 games to the schedule.

    To cater to Indian audiences, the number of early kickoff matches will nearly double, featuring up to 38 such matches per season. The duration for early kickoff slots has also expanded from 12 to 22 days, ensuring both Group and Knockout stages include these popular times.

    For Indian viewers, matches will start at 10:15 PM until Daylight Savings Time, after which they will begin at 11:15 PM. This evolution in the competition promises to enhance the viewing experience and further grow the sport’s popularity.

    Speaking of an oldest football tournament particularly in Asia, the 133rd edition of the Durand Cup has gained its legacy as one of India’s premier tournaments, led by the armed forces. Over the past two years, Sony Sports Network has collaborated closely with the Durand Organizing Committee to elevate the event to new heights. Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan spearheaded the campaign, while former national team captain Sunil Chhetri, who recently retired, also featured prominently in the promotional film. In a historic moment, the Indian president Droupadi Murmuru, unveiled the trophies and launched the trophy tour, marking the first presidential involvement in 36 years.

    Additionally, Sony Sports Network’s effective marketing strategies, like the appointment of Aaryan as the brand ambassador for the “Universe Ka Sabse Bada Football Festival of 2024” campaign, aims to engage a younger, more affluent audience, expanding the sport’s reach beyond traditional markets like Northeast India, Goa, Kerala, and West Bengal. In this campaign, Aaryan dons the avatar of an alien to symbolize the universal appeal and excitement surrounding the event, emphasizing that UEFA Euro 2024 is not just a football tournament but a global festival that transcends boundaries. His involvement adds a touch of entertainment and relatability, ensuring the campaign resonates with fans across the country.

    The integration of OTT platforms ensures that matches are accessible both on television and online, catering to the evolving consumption habits of modern viewers who prefer streaming content. Although many industry experts have delved that TV is by any day a preferred destination, as viewing sports on a large screen is highly beneficial and entertaining to the viewers especially when watching with family. In addition to high-definition broadcasts, Sony Sports Network has significantly expanded its multilingual commentary offerings. Recognising the diverse linguistic landscape of India, the network provides commentary in multiple regional languages,for marquee tournaments and matches including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Bengali to resonate with a broader audience and make them feel included in the excitement.

    If we talk about one particular challenge that stands out, it would definitely be cricket’s dominant viewership. Cricket receives extensive media coverage across all platforms, including television, print, and digital media. Major cricket events dominate sports news and attract a significant portion of advertising revenue, often leaving little room for other sports. With cricket’s extensive reach and established fan base, football often competes for limited viewing slots and advertising revenue. This competition makes it difficult for football events to secure the same level of attention and financial backing.

    Despite these shortcomings, the viewership figures are a clear indicator of the increasing appetite for football in India, transcending traditional boundaries and attracting a wide range of viewers. The network’s ability to captivate such a large audience highlights the effectiveness of its content strategy and its understanding of the evolving sports preferences of Indian audiences. By offering the maximum number of live football hours, boasting the largest bouquet of football properties and achieving the highest cumulative reach, it is no doubt that Sony Sports Network has set a new standard for sports broadcasting in India. 

  • KBC viewership soars to 24 per cent in week four

    KBC viewership soars to 24 per cent in week four

    Mumbai: Kaun Banega Crorepati, in its 16th season, continues to solidify its position. As per BARC data, the viewership of its original airings soared by 24 per cent (16 GRPs to 20 GRPs) in its fourth week and the non-fiction show registered a growth of 18 per cent, averaging 1.1 TVR in week 36.

    Its recent Olympics-special episode featuring Manu Bhaker, who took the hot seat with bronze-medallist Aman Sehrawat rated 1.3 TVR. The heartwarming episode featuring Banti Vadiva, from an Adivasi community of Asadi, in Madhya Pradesh, drew an overwhelming response, reflected in its rating of 1.3 TVR, capturing the hearts of millions of viewers.

    Throughout the season, the program pays tribute to an array of exceptional individuals, from global champions who bring glory to India like Manu Bhaker and Aman Sehrawat to selfless healthcare pioneers like doctors Ajay and Rani Bang, who have transformed lives through their tireless dedication in remote areas.

    Data source: BARC HSM Urban 15+ (week 33 to week 36, 2024).