ITV

Tag: CNN News18

  • Network18 widens lead over Times Internet with digital and TV dominance

    Network18 widens lead over Times Internet with digital and TV dominance

    MUMBAI: If news were a contact sport, Network18 just scored a digital hat-trick while keeping its closest rival, Times Internet, firmly on the defensive. Network18 has cemented its status as India’s undisputed news juggernaut, clocking a towering 300.35 million unique visitors (UVs) in May 2025, according to the latest ComScore MMX data. With a 67 per cent digital reach, it outpaced Times Internet Limited by over 82 million UVs, with the latter trailing at 217.83 million UVs (48 per cent reach).

    The digital scoreboard shows a clear trend: Network18 has led for three straight months, with UVs peaking at 321 million in April and 315 million in March, compared to Times Internet’s 196 million and 203 million in the same periods.

    It’s not just the network flexing its muscles News18.com, the flagship digital brand, has been leaving The Times of India in the dust. With 245 million UVs in May, News18 maintained a consistent lead over TOI’s 200 million UVs. And the margin’s been widening: April saw News18 at 283 million UVs to TOI’s 173 million, while March posted 251 million vs 182 million, respectively.

    But the domination doesn’t stop at pixels. On television, CNN-News18 has held the No. 1 position in English news for over three consecutive years, a feat unmatched in the industry. In the Hindi news universe, News18 India remains the most-watched across the country. Add to that Network18’s reach across regional languages, and the brand’s influence begins to look not just dominant but pan-Indian.

    While digital players grapple with fractured attention spans and changing algorithms, Network18 seems to have found the secret sauce reach, consistency, and trust across screens, languages, and formats.

    In a media ecosystem obsessed with virality, Network18’s steady, multiplatform march to the top is less flash, more firepower. And in the battle for eyeballs, it’s clear who’s setting the pace and who’s still trying to catch up.

  • CNN-News18 gears up for Defence Town Hall on 28 June

    CNN-News18 gears up for Defence Town Hall on 28 June

    MUMBAI: When the nation salutes its sentinels, it’s only fitting that the spotlight shines bright. CNN-News18 Town Hall is reporting for duty this Saturday, 28 June, with a power-packed Defence Edition that promises to march straight into the heart of India’s strategic pulse. Themed ‘Borders to Business – The Strength of Bharat’, the special programming pays tribute to India’s defence forces while diving deep into the evolving landscape of national security, self-reliance, and indigenous defence production. In true Town Hall style, expect sharp questions, sharper minds, and a salute to grit that goes beyond just rhetoric.

    Airing from 3 pm across CNN-News18 TV, CTV, and Youtube, the event brings together top brass from the armed forces, leading defence scientists, and private sector innovators creating a rare, all-hands-on-deck moment for India’s military narrative.

    Kicking things off, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, chief of integrated defence staff, will explore ‘The Age of Modern Warfare’, highlighting how battlefields are evolving and how India must respond. defence secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh follows with ‘Forging India’s Defence Independence’, outlining the government’s roadmap to self-reliance.

    The soul of the event may just lie in the stirring session titled ‘From Sindoor to Seema’, where Assistant Commandant Neha Bhandari and three fellow women officers recount frontline experiences from Operation Sindoor, offering a ground-level view into courage under pressure.

    It’s not all uniforms and medals the Town Hall also shines a light on India’s burgeoning private defence sector. Names like Lt. Gen Vinod G. Khandare (Retd.), Sudhir Mishra (ex-CEO, Brahmos Aerospace), B.K. Das (DG, DRDO), Maj Gen Vishal Saxena (Retd.), Smit Shah (Drone Federation of India), Maj Gen Indrabalan (R), Military Technology Advisor, Amber Wings and  Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria (Retd.) will decode what it takes to make ‘Made in India, Made for World’ more than just a slogan.

    As Network18 CEO of English & Business News Smriti Mehra puts it, “We’re not just telling stories, we’re bringing alive India’s defence resurgence with the experts who’ve shaped it.”

    CNN-News18 managing editor, Zakka Jacob added, “Operation Sindoor showcased India’s readiness and resolve. This Town Hall will honour that courage and spark the conversations India needs as national security and aatmanirbharta become central to our growth.”

    From warzone learnings to workshop innovations, this edition captures it all from the borders to the boardrooms.

    So, ready your remotes and set your reminders because when the channel says “attention”, the nation will be watching.

    (If you are an Anime fan and love Anime like Demon Slayer, Spy X Family, Hunter X Hunter, Tokyo Revengers, Dan Da Dan and Slime, Buy your favourite Anime merchandise on AnimeOriginals.com.)

  • 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.  

  • Robin D’Silva gets group account director role at ABP Network

    Robin D’Silva gets group account director role at ABP Network

    MUMBAI:  Robin D’Silva has been appointed as group account director at ABP Network. With over a decade of experience in media sales, market research, business development, and marketing strategy, D’Silva brings a wealth of expertise to his new role.

    Prior to this appointment, D’Silva served as group account manager at CNN-News18, where he was instrumental in driving client engagement and business growth. He has also held key positions at Zee Media Corp, National Geographic Traveller India, and Bennett Coleman & Co.

    D’Silva expressed enthusiasm about contributing to ABP Network’s continued growth and innovation in the media landscape.

    A postgraduate in marketing from Welingkar Institute of Management, D’Silva has consistently demonstrated a strong ability to manage client relationships, negotiate contracts, and deliver impactful business solutions.

  • JioStar taps ad sales powerhouse Anuradha Mathu Agrawal to lead the charge

    JioStar taps ad sales powerhouse Anuradha Mathu Agrawal to lead the charge

    MUMBAI: When it comes to advertising, the battle for consumer attention is fierce, and JioStar has just enlisted a powerhouse to take the lead. Anuradha Mathu Agrawal has stepped in as head of mid-market entertainment ad sales, armed with decades of experience in media sales and strategic revenue growth. With a career spanning top networks and ever-evolving markets, she is set to redefine JioStar’s ad sales game with fresh strategies and bold moves.

    Her appointment follows the exit of Dhruv Dhawan, who previously led digital growth for mid-tier and emerging clients. While Dhawan’s next move remains a mystery, his contributions to JioStar’s digital ad sales strategy were widely recognised.

    A career built on media mastery

    If the advertising industry had a hall of fame, Agrawal’s name would be etched in gold. She has consistently delivered market-leading ad sales strategies, built robust revenue streams, and established herself as an expert in regional content monetisation.

    Agrawal’s media journey kicked off in 1994 with Bennett Coleman and Co. Ltd. (Times of India Group), back when print was still king and social media wasn’t hijacking everyone’s attention span. She later took her talents to India Today in 1998, proving she wasn’t just here to play—she was here to win.

    In 1999, she landed at Star India, where she spent nearly a decade making TV advertising a goldmine, selling ad slots that turned daily soaps, cricket matches, and reality TV into revenue machines. After an impressive nine-year run, she moved to Ndtv as senior vice president in 2008, and by 2010, she was fine-tuning brand deals at Turner Broadcasting System as an executive director (Cartoon Network, anyone?).

    Then came the plot twist—she co-founded Leomax International in 2012, running the show for nearly three years, striking e-commerce deals with Snapdeal, Fashion&You, and 99labels. Because why just climb the corporate ladder when you can build one yourself?

    By 2015, she was back in the corporate saddle as national revenue head at CNN-News18, before making a grand return to Star TV Network in 2016 as senior vice president—later rising to executive director at Disney Star post-merger, where she dominated regional ad sales in Telugu markets and the kids’ portfolio.

    The entertainment ad sales landscape is evolving faster than a binge-worthy series, and Agrawal is here to push JioStar to the forefront. With JioStar doubling down on innovation, her expertise will be pivotal in scaling revenue, optimising advertiser engagement, and creating a next-level media ecosystem.

    JioStar’s entertainment ad sales division just got a serious boost, and with Agrawal at the helm, the industry is watching closely. Will she revolutionise regional advertising? If history is any indication, the answer is a resounding YES.

     

  • Network18 tops the charts as India’s number one news network

    Network18 tops the charts as India’s number one news network

    MUMBAI: When it comes to dominating the Indian news scene, Network18 doesn’t just report the news—it is the news. Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries has done it again, making headlines for owning the headlines!

    With the latest BARC ratings in its corner, the network is flexing its muscles as India’s number one, clocking a jaw-dropping AMA of 2,02,636—nearly double its closest rival’s 1,10,826. Looks like the competition is still buffering while Network18 streams ahead!

    Network18’s meteoric performance was propelled by its power-packed programming for Maha Kumbh 2025, which captivated audiences nationwide. The comprehensive coverage, combined with visually stunning storytelling, resonated deeply with viewers, garnering over 200 million views across the network’s digital platforms. This milestone further reinforced Network18 as the go-to destination for impactful and engaging event coverage.

    With 20 national and regional TV channels, Network18 connects with diverse audiences across India. Its impressive portfolio includes CNN-News18, which has reigned as the number one English news channel for over two years, and News18 India, dominating primetime as the top Hindi news channel.

    In the business news category, CNBC-TV18 continues to lead as the unquestioned authority, delivering reliable and influential coverage. Network18’s regional channels have also consistently claimed top spots, demonstrating the network’s strong local connect and commitment to reaching every corner of the country.

    The BARC ratings (Source: BARC | Metric: AMA 000s | TG: 15+ | Period: Wk 02’25 | Market: All India) showcase Network18’s significant dominance over its competitors. These figures cement the network’s reputation as India’s largest and most trusted news source.

    With its innovative programming, on-ground coverage of pivotal events, and strong digital presence, Network18 has redefined news consumption in India. Whether it’s covering global stories or deeply local issues, the network’s ability to inform, engage, and connect remains unmatched.

    Network18 has not just captured numbers; it has captured trust.

  • CNN-News18 Indian of the Year 2024 to honour India’s icons on 17 January

    CNN-News18 Indian of the Year 2024 to honour India’s icons on 17 January

    MUMBAI: The wait is almost over!

    CNN-News18 Indian of the Year (IOTY) 2024, the 14th edition of India’s most prestigious television awards, will unveil its winners on 17 January 2025, in a grand ceremony in New Delhi. With a legacy of honouring exceptional achievements, IOTY has become the ultimate stage for recognising those who’ve inspired, amazed, and made India proud.

    From Shah Rukh Khan to Neeraj Chopra and Virat Kohli, past winners have embodied excellence. Who will join this elite club in 2024?

    The awards span seven major categories—entertainment, sports, rising sports star, youth icon, business, climate warrior, and social change. These categories celebrate everything from cinematic brilliance to environmental activism.

    Here’s the twist: 50 per cent of the decision lies with you, the audience, while an illustrious jury panel decides the rest. The jury includes heavyweights like Sanjiv Goenka, Harish Salve, Ramesh Sippy, and more. What’s your pick for the winners?

    The spotlight will shine on some of the biggest names:

    ●    Sports: Olympic stars like Manu Bhaker and cricketers like Jasprit Bumrah.

    ●    Entertainment: Powerhouses like Shraddha Kapoor, Vijay Sethupathi, and Pankaj Tripathi.

    ●    Youth Icons: Vicky Kaushal and rising entrepreneur Nikhil Kamath.

    ●    Business Leaders: Visionaries like Deepinder Goyal (Zomato CEO) and Bhavish Aggarwal (Ola CEO).

    But it’s not just the glitz and glamour. Climate warriors like Vinisha Umashankar and changemakers like Palak Muchhal in Social Change are also vying for honours.

    What makes IOTY stand out?

    Network18 CEO – english & business news, Smriti Mehra nailed it when she said, “The immense popularity of Indian of the Year lies in its legacy of recognising and celebrating excellence over the past thirteen editions. From icons such as Shah Rukh Khan and Neeraj Chopra to visionary leaders such as Narendra Modi and Manmohan Singh, our past winners have truly embodied the spirit of the Indian of the Year title. This platform has become a hallmark of achievement, inspiring audiences and delivering unparalleled value to the brands that associate with it.”

    Meanwhile, CNN-News18 managing editor Zakka Jacob added, “The awards evening will be a gathering of the greatest of Indians who have made the country proud over the past year. As we step into the new year, it’s important to look back at the achievements of the past year that hold significance for us as a nation. We are excited to celebrate the remarkable contributions of those who rose above challenges and inspired next generations.”

    The event, hosted by CNN-News18, promises a glittering display of India’s best and brightest. Catch the action at 6 pm on 17 January on CNN-News18 or via live stream on www.indianoftheyear.com.

    Who will walk away with the title? Will it be a star athlete, an inspiring climate activist, or a business mogul? Join the conversation and don’t miss the magic of India’s achievers being celebrated.

  • CNN-News18 Indian of the Year is back to recognise achievements of exceptional Indians

    CNN-News18 Indian of the Year is back to recognise achievements of exceptional Indians

    MUMBAI: CNN-News18 has returned with the fourteenthh edition of its highly anticipated flagship awards platform, Indian of the Year (IOTY). Regarded as India’s biggest and most credible news television awards, IOTY celebrates exceptional achievements of Indians who are inspiring the world through their triumphs. The recent editions have seen names such as Shah Rukh Khan, Neeraj Chopra and Virat Kohli as the winners of the coveted title of Indian of the Year.

    CNN-News18 Indian of the Year 2024 awards are set to honor individuals in seven categories: entertainment, sports, rising sports star, youth icon, business, climate warrior, and social change. Each category includes five nominees whose work in the past year has made a significant impact, reaching new heights and inspiring generations to come.

    In the sports category, nominees include India’s Olympic medalists Manu Bhaker, Swapnil Kusale, PR Sreejesh and cricketers Jasprit Bumrah and Smriti Mandhana. 

    The rising sports stars category has Aman Sehrawat, D Gukesh, Abhishek Sharma, Smriti Mehra, Shafali Verma and Sarabjot Singh as the nominees.

    The star-studded nominees in the entertainment category include Shraddha Kapoor, Vijay Sethupathi, Pankaj Tripathi, Fahadh Faasil, and the Laapata Ladies team. 

    The youth Icon category features Vicky Kaushal, Janhvi Kapoor, Nikhil Kamath, Nancy Tyagi and Jaya Kishori.

     Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal, Ola CEO Bhavish Aggarwal, Bajaj Auto MD Rajiv Bajaj, Team HAL and Apollo Hospitals JMD Dr Sangita Reddy are nominated in the business category.

    In the climate warrior category, UNICEF India’s youth advocate Vinisha Umashankar, climate change activist Hina Saifi, sustainability activist Soumya Ranjan Biswal, environmentalist Chami Murmu and entrepreneur Kriti Tula are nominated.

     The social change category includes nominees such as Women in Cinema Collective, social activists Tatwashil Kamble & Ashok Tangade, singer and philanthropist Palak Muchhal, and change makers Adhik Kadam and Laljibhai Prajapati. 

    The jury for this edition comprises environmental activist Afroze Shah, former solicitor general of India Harish Salve and former judge of the supreme court of India Indu Malhotra. 

     Network18 CEO Smriti Mehra – English & Business News said:  “CNN-News18 Indian of the Year is a marquee recognition that resonates deeply with audiences across the country. Its immense popularity stems from a legacy of celebrating excellence, making it a trusted platform that not only inspires viewers but also delivers unmatched value to brands that associate with it.”

    CNN-News18  managing editor Zakka Jacob added:  “Built on the success of its past blockbuster editions, Indian of the Year has cemented its place as India’s premier recognition platform. With a history of honouring icons who define the nation’s spirit, this edition promises to elevate the legacy, showcasing stories that continue to inspire and unite.”

    The selection process will be a mix of both jury and public voting; with 50 per cent of the decision-making power given to the audience, and the remaining 50 per cent  is entrusted to the jury, striking a balance between collective choice of the masses and the discerning eye of experts. 

    RP-Sanjiv Goenka group is the presenting partner and Reliance Industries is the associate partner for this edition of CNN-News18 Indian of the Year.

    The voting process and jury round will culminate in a spectacular grand finale where the winners will be revealed and honoured.

    To vote for your favourite nominee, please visit www.indianoftheyear.com

  • Network18 surpasses 325 million social media followers

    Network18 surpasses 325 million social media followers

    Mumbai: Network18 has reached a milestone of over 325 million followers in the digital space as of September 2024.

    This achievement makes Network18 the largest news network in India by follower base, showcasing its influence across platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Snapchat, and WhatsApp. Network18’s extensive reach encompasses brands such as CNN-News18, CNBC-TV18, News18 India, Firstpost and the News18 Regional cluster.

    In the first half of this year, it garnered 19 billion views on YouTube, a substantial increase from 11.5 billion views in the same period last year. The audience consumed 822 million hours of content, a rise from 498 million hours previously. Twelve of its YouTube channels currently hold the number one position in their respective categories, solidifying its status as the leading news network on the platform. The network’s presence on WhatsApp Channels has further fuelled its growth, with over 47 million followers contributing to its expanding digital footprint.

    A focus on regional news has been central to Network18’s digital success, achieving over 11 billion views H1 in regional content. With 120+ million followers across regional platforms, Network18 continues to deliver hyper-local content in diverse South and Northeastern Indian languages, catering to varied linguistic communities and broadening its reach to new audiences.

    Network18’s appeal to new audiences added 47 million new followers in recent months to reach a total of 325 million. News18 Bangla has nearly reached two billion views, while News18 Odia and News18 Punjab have both exceeded the one billion view milestone.

    Network18, head – Partnerships and Digital Video Strategy, Pranav Bakshi, emphasised the significance of this achievement. “We’ve not only established the largest social media presence in India but also achieved remarkable growth on Connected TV, with a threefold increase. Our connected TV audience has doubled in the last 6 months, and we continue to expand our footprint on CTV & FAST networks. We are the only news network with such vast digital reach. No competitor matches our scale or growth trajectory. Our success is a result of our commitment to providing high-quality, tailored, and engaging content across all screens—mobile, desktop, and TV.” 

  • News18 Network’s counting day TV viewership leaves IPL finale behind

    News18 Network’s counting day TV viewership leaves IPL finale behind

    Mumbai: According to the latest data released by the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC), the News18 network has achieved an unprecedented reach of 16.20 crore on counting day, surpassing the television reach of the 2024 IPL Finale, which was 10.90 crore.

    The total reach of counting day was calculated by aggregating the reach of Network18’s 20 channels across various languages, while IPL Finale’s total reach was derived from 13 Star Sports channels. (counting day Unrolled Data | Source: BARC | Channel: Network18 (20 channels) | Metric: Reach TG: 2+|Period: 04th June 24, 24 Hrs I Market: All India) (IPL Finale | Source: BARC | Channel: Star Sports (13 channels) Metric: Reach TG: 2+| Period: 26th May’24, 24 Hrs | Market: All India)

    Amassing 41.1 per cent market share, CNN-News18 emerged as the undisputed leader in the English news genre on the counting day of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. (Source: BARC | Metric: Market Share per cent | TG: 15+ AB | Period: 04 June’24, 24 Hrs | Market: India |7 Channels considered) (Source: BARC | Metric: Market Share per cent | TG: 15+ AB | Period: Wk 23’24, 24 Hrs | Market: India |7 Channels considered)

    News18 India recorded a whopping 7.69 crore (unrolled) reach on the counting day. The number one Hindi news channel recorded a 3.74 crore reach, its nearest competitor had a reach of 3.40 crore. The Counting Week data also shows News18 India’s remarkable cumulative reach of 11.15 crore. (Source: BARC | Metric: Reach TG: 2+ | Period: 04th June’24,24 Hrs | Market: HSM | *As per BARC CER) (Source: BARC | Metric: Cume Reach| TG: 2+ | Period: Wk 23’24, 24 Hrs | Market: HSM)

    To highlight its unparalleled viewership on the counting day, News18 Network launched a media campaign on Friday. The news network released a front-page ad in all editions of The Economic Times, showcasing comprehensive dominance over competitors on the counting day of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

    News18’s programming on counting day started at 6 AM, bringing the most accurate trends throughout the day. Combined with live on-ground reportage, the counting day coverage stayed on top of all key developments and reactions as they came in.

    Bolstered by top anchors such as Zakka Jacob, Kishore Ajwani, Anand Narasimhan, Rubika Liyaquat, Amish Devgan, Rahul Shivshankar, Aman Chopra, Shivani Gupta and Prateek Trivedi, News18 Network not only aims to expand its market share but also enhance brand image and establish stronger ties with advertisers with growing visibility.