Tag: Shivani Gupta

  • Breaking the news and the charts CNN-News18 tops the ratings race

    Breaking the news and the charts CNN-News18 tops the ratings race

    MUMBAI: Newsrooms thrive on breaking stories but this time, CNN-News18 is the story. The network has stormed ahead of rivals to claim its place as India’s undisputed English news leader, clocking numbers that speak louder than any debate panel ever could.

    According to the latest BARC India data, CNN-News18 has pulled off a 64.4 per cent market share in the primetime slot (7–11 pm), leaving competitors trailing far behind NDTV at 15.4 per cent and Times Now at 12.2 per cent. (Source: BARC India | Market: 10L plus | TG: 22–40 Male | Period: Weeks 36–39’25 | Market Share per cent | 5 channels considered.)

    For a genre known for high decibels and fierce rivalries, CNN-News18’s dominance is striking, the channel holds more than four times the share of its nearest competitor. The network’s grip on viewers during India’s most-watched hours has placed it firmly in a league of its own, with “No. 1” becoming more of a habit than a headline.

    Zooming out beyond primetime, CNN-News18 continues to reign overall with a 36.5 per cent market share, followed by NDTV 24×7 at 25.2 per cent and Times Now at 21.4 per cent. (Source: BARC India | Market: India | TG: 15+AB | Period: Weeks 36–39’25 | Market Share per cent basis AMA’000 | 8 channels considered.)

    The victory isn’t a flash in the pan either. CNN-News18 has maintained the top spot since the return of BARC ratings in March 2022, consistently holding its ground across cycles, a feat few news brands can boast in such a volatile space.

    What’s fuelling this sustained supremacy? A mix of credibility, sharp reportage, and familiar faces that have become synonymous with trustworthy journalism.

    The channel’s roster of seasoned anchors Zakka Jacob, Anand Narasimhan, Rahul Shivshankar, and Shivani Gupta has helped define its editorial rhythm. Their prime-time shows are known for being fast-paced yet focused, where arguments may heat up but facts still win the floor.

    Behind the desk, CNN-News18’s network of correspondents across India keeps the channel ahead on breaking stories, from Delhi’s political corridors to distant district headquarters. It’s this combination of speed, scale, and storytelling that keeps viewers coming back when the clock strikes seven.

    In an era where English news is often accused of shouting louder than it reports, CNN-News18 seems to have struck the balance pairing the energy of TV debates with the discipline of data. The result is clear in the numbers: nearly two-thirds of English news viewers are tuning into CNN-News18 during primetime, a lead that transforms competition into footnotes.

    What makes this rise even more striking is the shrinking gap between viewership and trust, a rare commodity in news. The channel’s ability to hold attention without sensationalism, and to mix credibility with conversation, appears to be its secret sauce.

    It’s not just about being the loudest voice in the room anymore, it’s about being the one audiences actually listen to.

    With its 64.4 per cent primetime share, 36.5 per cent overall market lead, and an editorial style that’s both assertive and authentic, CNN-News18 isn’t just leading the English news genre, it’s redefining what leadership looks like in it.

    In the ratings war, it seems, the network has done what it does best break the news, then break the mould.

  • CNN-News18 rules prime time with 72.5 per cent market share lead

    CNN-News18 rules prime time with 72.5 per cent market share lead

    MUMBAI: When the nation tunes in, it’s clear who’s holding the mic. CNN-News18 has tightened its grip on the English news throne, bagging a staggering 72.5 per cent market share during peak news hours, a figure bigger than all its competitors combined.

    According to BARC data (Mkt: 10L+ | TG: 22–40 Male | Wk 27–30’25, 19:00–24:00 Hrs), Times Now managed 17.9 per cent, NDTV 24×7 clocked 7.4 per cent, Republic TV scraped 1.5 per cent, and India Today Television trailed with just 0.7 per cent. The result? A prime-time rout that leaves no doubt who’s setting the national news agenda.

    The dominance isn’t just in the evening spotlight. CNN-News18’s overall share in the English news genre remains formidable 60 per cent ahead of Times Now and a jaw-dropping 102 per cent ahead of NDTV (Source: BARC India | All India (U+R) 15+ | AVG Week 30’25). The channel has held its No. 1 spot for over three years, a testament to its mix of accuracy, clarity, and a citizen-first approach.

    Recent upgrades from a cleaner, more visual-heavy design to tighter storytelling have only sharpened its edge. With top anchors like Zakka Jacob, Anand Narasimhan, Rahul Shivshankar, and Shivani Gupta, plus a robust nationwide reporting network, CNN-News18 delivers not just breaking headlines but context-rich coverage with data-driven explainers.

    By blending editorial heft with tech innovation, the channel is making sure that when the story matters, India knows exactly where to turn and in peak hours, it’s turning to CNN-News18 in overwhelming numbers.

  • News18 calls the shots as it headlines Hindi and English viewership

    News18 calls the shots as it headlines Hindi and English viewership

    MUMBAI: The ratings are in and News18 isn’t just reading the headlines, it’s writing them. With the latest BARC data painting a clear picture, the News18 Network has reinforced its dominance in both English and Hindi news broadcasting, leaving its rivals flipping through the pages.

    CNN-News18 retained its crown as the Number 1 English news channel, capturing a commanding 35.7 per cent market share, well ahead of Times Now (22.4 per cent) and NDTV 24×7 (17.7 per cent). That’s a 60 per cent lead over Times Now, and a staggering 102 per cent lead over NDTV, according to BARC India (Week 30’25, All India, 15 plus).

    Fronted by a strong editorial team that includes Zakka Jacob, Anand Narasimhan, Rahul Shivshankar and Shivani Gupta, CNN-News18 has held onto its pole position ever since BARC ratings resumed in March 2022.

    Not to be outdone, News18 India ruled the roost in Hindi news with a powerful 74,444 AMA’000s, outpacing Aaj Tak’s 67,957 AMA’000s (BARC | Week 27–30’25 | HSM | 15plus | 24×7). With trusted faces like Kishore Ajwani, Amish Devgan, Rubika Liyaquat, Prateek Trivedi, and Aman Chopra, News18 India continues to be the nation’s go-to source for breaking news, sharp debates, and hard-hitting reports.

    The network’s leadership isn’t confined to television either. News18’s digital footprint is growing steadily, with Youtube views and social media traction providing a second wind to its broadcast muscle.

    Behind the ratings blitz is a clear strategic push. News18 has ramped up investments in technology, editorial staffing, and international partnerships to ensure it stays not just first with the news but first in the hearts (and remotes) of viewers.

    In an age of news clutter, News18 Network seems to have cracked the code: clarity, credibility, and countrywide reach.

     

  • CNN-News18 remains undisputed leader of English News Genre

    CNN-News18 remains undisputed leader of English News Genre

    MUMBAI:  According to the latest data from the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC), CNN-News18 continues to dominate the English news genre, maintaining a strong lead of 179 per cent ahead of Times Now and 79 per cent ahead of NDTV.

    As per the latest data,  CNN-News18 has outperformed its competitors NDTV 24×7 and Times Now with a market share of  41 per cent. The market share of NDTV 24×7 stood at 22.9 per cent, while Times Now stayed at just 14.7 per cent.  (Source: BARC India | MKT: India | TG: 2+ | Period: AVG Wk 29’25 |Market share%)

    With a consistent lead over its competitors, CNN-News18 has remained the undisputed leader of the English news genre, thanks to its sharp editorial focus, credible journalism, and unmatched viewer trust.

    CNN-News18 has always been the voice of the people, bringing major public issues to the forefront. Adding to its commitment is the latest initiative, #SaveOurCities, because We The People deserve better. CNN-News18’s #SaveOurCities campaign asks the tough questions: Flooded roads, traffic chaos, potholes, piles of garbage, drainage failures, crumbling infrastructure—same problems, every monsoon.

    Speaking about CNN News18’s No.1 position and its latest initiative, Zakka Jacob, Managing Editor of CNN News18, says,  “CNN-News18 has been No.1 for the last three years now. There is no competition anywhere close to us, even in the latest BARC data. The gap between the No.1 and No.2 players is wide, and I believe this is a strong affirmation of our journalism. We put citizens’ concerns first and bring their issues and concerns to the forefront. For example, our latest initiative, #SaveOurCities, focuses on the monsoon season in Delhi, Gurugram, Mumbai, Bengaluru, where urban infrastructure is completely failing with overflowing drains and flooded roads. This is the story of urban India, and urban India is tuning in to CNN-News18 to watch stories like these.”
    “We are very happy with our journalism, the kind of story we do, and we are delighted that our viewers are accepting this. The numbers reflected in the BARC ratings, where we continue to hold the No.1 spot, are proof of that,” he added.

    Led by award-winning journalists like Zakka Jacob, Anand Narasimhan, Rahul Shivshankar and Shivani Gupta, the channel has maintained its number one position in the English news genre since the resumption of BARC ratings in March 2022. In order to maintain CNN-News18’s position far ahead of its competitors, the News18 network has made substantial investments in technology and editorial resources.

     

  • CNN-News18 stays on top, leaves rivals in the ratings dust

    CNN-News18 stays on top, leaves rivals in the ratings dust

    MUMBAI: Less talk, more traction CNN-News18 proves that in the world of English news, clarity (and clever design) really is king. According to the latest BARC data (Week 27, 2025), CNN-News18 has tightened its grip on the No. 1 spot in India’s English news genre, clocking a market share of 33.7 per cent, far ahead of NDTV 24×7 at 21.2 per cent and Times Now at 19.8 per cent. That’s a 70 per cent lead over Times Now and 59 per cent over NDTV, putting the channel miles ahead in the TRP tug-of-war.

    CNN-News18’s dominance isn’t just a flash in the pan, it’s been India’s top English news channel for over three years. And it’s not resting on those laurels. From investing in cutting-edge tech to doubling down on editorial depth, the network is clearly playing the long game.

    The channel recently rolled out a slick redesign rooted in its ‘One Screen, One Form, One Stream’ philosophy, bringing together TV and digital for a seamless experience. The emphasis? Fewer words, more visuals and sharper storytelling.

    Leading the charge are newsroom heavyweights like Zakka Jacob, Anand Narasimhan, Rahul Shivshankar, and Shivani Gupta, supported by a nationwide reporter network that ensures election coverage stays comprehensive and cutting-edge.

    CNN-News18 has also found its visual voice deploying snappy graphics and easy-to-digest explainers that make complex trends and data relatable to a diverse audience. It’s serious journalism with a stylish twist.

    In a genre where attention spans are fleeting, CNN-News18 seems to have figured out how to keep viewers hooked by giving them just the right mix of depth, design, and digital smarts.

  • From dream to reality: Stories of women entrepreneurs defining success in India

    From dream to reality: Stories of women entrepreneurs defining success in India

    Mumbai: India has witnessed a transformative shift in recent years, with women stepping into the entrepreneurial spotlight like never before. From bustling metropolises to quiet towns, women entrepreneurs are redefining success, breaking stereotypes, and proving that ambition knows no gender. These trailblazers are not just building businesses; they’re inspiring generations, fostering innovation, and contributing significantly to the country’s economic and social growth.

    This piece celebrates the incredible journeys of women who dared to dream and turned their aspirations into thriving realities. With grit, creativity, and unwavering determination, these women are reshaping the entrepreneurial landscape of India one venture at a time.

    Meet these women entrepreneurs, who dared to dream and established themselves in different sectors through their hard work and creating a new benchmark in their sectors.

    Dr. Preeti Jain, founder of JewelsByPreeti: On the occasion of Women Entrepreneurship Day, one thing I would like to emphasize the most as the founder of my brand “Jewels by Preeti” is that sometimes it is crucial to take an unconventional path and not follow the mainstream career path, especially as a woman entrepreneur.

    From my personal experience and talking about my career trajectory, what kept me level-headed on my entrepreneurship journey was my risk-taking capability and my relentless passion for jewelry. What I learned through my years of experience is that you need to prioritize customers’ changing needs and keep innovations at the forefront always to stay ahead.

    Shivani Gupta founder of Vanika Fashions: The inspiring journeys of women in the Chikankari industry have not only broken barriers but have also redefined entrepreneurship in a way that bridges tradition and innovation. The talented artisans are more than just custodians of a centuries-old craft—they are emerging as business owners, designers, and community leaders who are reshaping the narrative around entrepreneurship. Every stitch they create weaves a story of resilience, creativity, and determination, proving that women can transform traditional art forms into thriving, sustainable enterprises with the right opportunities and support.

    Women Entrepreneurship Day celebrates such remarkable stories, showcasing the indomitable spirit of women who overcome social and economic barriers to achieve success. The women of the Chikankari industry exemplify this spirit, turning their heritage into a source of empowerment for themselves and their communities. By establishing collectives, engaging in market negotiations, and innovating with contemporary designs, they not only preserve this intricate craft but also generate livelihoods for hundreds of others, particularly women. The success serves as a beacon of inspiration, illustrating the transformative power of entrepreneurship to break the glass ceiling. It underscores the importance of creating inclusive ecosystems that empower women to lead, innovate, and contribute significantly to the economy.

    Sarbani Bose, Integrator at PRADAN: Breaking the glass ceiling in India’s entrepreneurial landscape is more than just a phrase, it’s a movement led by resilient women reshaping industries, communities, and the economy. Across rural and urban areas, women are redefining entrepreneurship, leveraging generations of expertise in crafts, agriculture, and small enterprises to create sustainable, impactful businesses.

    The inspiring journeys of women Farmer Producer Company (FPC) members illustrate the transformative power of collective farming and sustainable practices. With organized support and market access, they’re able to use scientific methods and eco-friendly innovations like solar dryers and organic techniques to improve their lives and their communities. These women are creating consistent income, ensuring fair prices, and tackling poverty by reducing the need for seasonal migration and distress selling. Their stories remind us that when barriers are broken and women are empowered, they not only uplift themselves but their entire villages. These journeys show that women have the potential to drive an inclusive, thriving ecosystem, becoming true agents of change and resilience in India’s rural economy.

  • BARC ratings: CNN-News18 races ahead of competitors to become No.1 on counting day

    BARC ratings: CNN-News18 races ahead of competitors to become No.1 on counting day

    Mumbai: According to the latest data by the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC), CNN-News18 has emerged as the undisputed leader in the English news genre on the counting day of 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

    The channel amassed a 41.1 per cent market share on the crucial counting day, whereas its closest competitor on the second position captured a distant 24 per cent market share. (Source: BARC | Metric: Market Share per cent | TG:15+ AB | Period: 4 June 24, 24 Hrs | Market Share: 7 Channels Considered)

    The impressive performance of CNN-News18 is attributed to its precise reporting, real-time updates from counting centres, expert views and insightful analysis of the results throughout the day. With quality production, engaging graphics and news television’s top anchors such as Zakka Jacob, Anand Narasimhan, Shivani Gupta and Rahul Shivshankar, CNN-News18’s presentation elucidated complex trends and data, making it easily accessible to the audience.

    With 5.5 lakh concurrent views on YouTube, CNN-News18 recorded the highest YouTube viewership during the crucial counting hour. (Source: DataBeings, 4 June, 2024, 1:00 PM)

    CNN-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.

  • FINN Partners unveils #FutureofTravel report

    FINN Partners unveils #FutureofTravel report

    Mumbai: New research released by FINN Partners titled #FutureofTravel report explores how India’s under-35 globetrotters are reshaping the travel industry with new spending patterns. These young adventurers are not just ready to explore the world—they are redefining what travel means. Driven by impulsiveness, a readiness to splurge, and a quest for unique, immersive experiences, they are emerging as a powerful influence in the global travel market.

    The report delves into the spending behaviours of over 1,000 plus Indian travellers, providing a detailed look at their preferences—from luxury accommodations and premium air travel to wellness and activities. This comprehensive study will forecast emerging trends and shine a light on the opportunities for businesses in travel, hospitality, and fintech to innovate and tailor their offerings. The report uncovers not just where and on what young Indians are spending their travel budgets, but also how they manage the financial aspects of their journeys. It also unveils their appetite for once-in-a-lifetime experiences, willingness to invest in premium air travel and desire for unique or hard-to-find gifts.

    “India’s burgeoning economy not only fuels its own growth but propels its citizens into the global wanderlust. As prosperity rises, so does the desire to explore. With a fast-growing economy as its engine, India has emerged as a significant contributor to the global leisure travel landscape. It is not just a leisure activity for young Indians; it’s an integral part of their lifestyle and financial planning. Through this report, our travel practice aims to support stakeholders in their endeavour to fulfill the emerging needs of this sector,” said FINN Partners, India managing partner Shivani Gupta.

    FutureofTravel report

    Key highlights from the report:

       Spending drivers: Unique and exclusive experiences (63 per cent), luxury and indulgence (61 per cent), and tech-based travel (51 per cent) are identified as primary triggers motivating young Indians to allocate higher budgets, underlining the significance of personalized and immersive travel experiences

       Destination preferences: The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia emerge as favoured destinations among young Indian travellers, with luxury experiences and adventure sports garnering significant interest, especially among the younger demographic (under 35)

       Willingness to spend for ‘Unique Experiences’: A remarkable 42 per cent of young Indian travellers are eager to invest more to transform their once-in-a-lifetime aspirations into immediate realities

       Preference for ‘Convenience and Wellness’: Convenience emerges as a priority, with 46 per cent of young travellers willing to pay extra for hotel amenities that enhance convenience, while 48 per cent prioritize eco-conscious health and wellness programs, reflecting a balanced consideration of sustainability and comfort

    “As global dynamics shift and travel preferences evolve, Indian travellers are poised to shape the future of global tourism. Our latest insights reveal that building lasting relationships with travellers now can lead to decades of loyalty. We recommend seizing every opportunity to engage them with last-minute deals that spark spontaneity, unique attractions that promise unforgettable adventures, and ensuring every aspect of their journey enhances comfort and convenience,” said FINN Partners global travel lead Debbie Flynn.

  • CNN-News18’s new multimedia campaign showcases its year-long hold on No.1 spot

    CNN-News18’s new multimedia campaign showcases its year-long hold on No.1 spot

    Mumbai: To showcase its year-long dominance in English news viewership, CNN-News18 India launched a multimedia campaign on Wednesday.

    The English news channel released a page one ad in all editions of The Economic Times to announce its leadership in the genre. The multimedia campaign has gone live across digital platforms including social media, and is being extensively amplified on trade media platforms.

    The campaign launched in The Economic Times newspaper highlights CNN-News18’s comprehensive, year-long lead over its key competitors both on TV and digital. The TV data shows that CNN-News18 has captured 35.3 per cent market share, which is significantly larger than that of Republic TV and Times Now. With Republic TV at 29.6 per cent and Times Now at 23.5 per cent market share, CNN-News18 stands apart as the undisputed leader in the English news segment. (Source: BARC | Market: India | TG: 2+ | Period: AVG Wk 16’22 – 29’23 | 8 Channels considered | Market share%)

    On the digital front, CNN-News18 has captured a whopping 1.4 billion views on YouTube, surpassing Times Now and Republic TV at 795 million and 226 million views respectively. (Source: Socialblade | Period: Aug’22-July’23)

    Furthermore, the channel displayed remarkable performance on Facebook with 787 million views. While Times Now stayed on the second spot with 731 million views, Republic was left far behind at 66 million views on Facebook. (Source: Crowdtangle | Period: Aug’22-July’23)

    The high decibel campaign with a sharp copy and a bold visual breaks the category code to drive home the message and reiterates News18’s No.1 position among its competition with respect to viewership.

    Since BARC resumed ratings of news channels in March 2022, CNN-News18 has consistently led the way in the English news genre. With dedicated viewership and impactful presentation of prime time anchors like Zakka Jacob, Anand Narasimhan, and Shivani Gupta, CNN-News18 is poised not only to expand its market share but also to enhance its brand image and establish stronger ties with advertisers with its growing visibility.