News18 Kannada has ended TV9 Kannada’s two-decade reign to emerge as the new leader in regional news viewership. For the first time since TV9 Kannada’s debut in 2006, the channel has slipped from its long-held No. 1 position, marking a turning point in how Kannada audiences are consuming broadcast news.

According to a News18 Kannada press release, the latest BARC ratings show News18 Kannada rising to the top with 33,757 AMA 000s, capturing a 25.4 percent market share. TV9 Kannada followed closely with 32,937 AMA 000s and a 24.8 percent share.
(Source: TG: NCC 15+; Week 46’25: 15–11–2025 to 21–11–2025 vs Week 45’25: 08–11–2025 to 14–11–2025, All)

The milestone underscores News18 Kannada’s deepening presence across the state and its growing connection with Kannada-speaking viewers. The channel’s emphasis on fast-paced, reliable, and viewer-focused journalism appears to have played a strong role in strengthening audience trust, contributing to its surge in ratings.

Industry watchers note that the shift mirrors a wider trend sweeping across southern markets, where viewers are increasingly gravitating towards channels offering sharper reportage, wider ground coverage, and seamless digital integration. The transition also highlights evolving expectations among regional news viewers, who now prioritise immediacy, accuracy, and a balanced mix of on-ground and digital-first storytelling.

News18 Kannada forms part of Network18’s expansive regional footprint, which spans multiple states through channels such as News18 Uttar Pradesh/Uttarakhand, News18 Bihar/Jharkhand, News18 Rajasthan, News18 Punjab, News18 Assam/NE, News18 Bangla, News18 Kerala, News18 Tamil Nadu, News18 Gujarati, News18 Odia and News18 Lokmat, among others.

With its first-ever No. 1 rank in 20 years, News18 Kannada has now firmly positioned itself as Karnataka’s leading television news channel, redefining the competitive landscape in the region.