Network18 has emerged as a dominant force in India’s digital news space, with its channels delivering record-breaking YouTube viewership in March 2026 across multiple genres, including English, Hindi, and business news.
According to a press release, the strong performance came during a high-intensity global news cycle marked by escalating geopolitical tensions and war-related developments. As audiences increasingly turned to digital platforms for real-time and reliable updates, Network18’s channels saw a significant surge in engagement, reinforcing their leadership in the online news ecosystem.
In the English news category, CNN-News18 led the charts with 130 mn live and video-on-demand views during the month. The channel outperformed competitors such as Times of India, Times Now, India Today, and NDTV, highlighting its strong digital traction during a period of heightened news consumption.
The network also dominated the Hindi news segment, where News18 India recorded an impressive 3,297 mn views. It stayed ahead of its closest competitor, NDTV India, reflecting its strong connect with mass audiences and consistent engagement across content formats.
In the business news space, Network18 maintained its leadership across both Hindi and English categories. CNBC Awaaz secured the top spot among Hindi business channels with 92 mn views, edging past Zee Business and ET Now Swadesh. Meanwhile, CNBC-TV18 posted 58 mn views, underlining its continued relevance among English-speaking business audiences.
The performance underscores Network18’s multi-platform strategy and strong editorial network, which have enabled it to scale digital reach while delivering timely and credible journalism. As digital consumption continues to grow, the network’s ability to engage audiences across languages and formats appears to be a key driver of its sustained leadership.
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