CNN-News18 has once again emerged as the most-watched English news channel in India, extending a significant lead over its competitors, according to the latest data released by the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India.
The channel, according to a media statement from the news network, recorded a commanding 33.7 percent market share, far ahead of NDTV 24×7, which stood at 21.2 percent, and Times Now, which registered 19.8 percent, as per BARC India data for Week 27 of 2025 (TG: 15+ AB, All India). This translates into a lead of 70 percent over Times Now and 59 percent over NDTV 24×7, further strengthening CNN-News18’s grip on the genre.
The BARC India numbers reinforce CNN-News18’s position as India’s No. 1 English news channel for over three years—a distinction achieved through consistent editorial excellence and innovation in broadcast journalism. The channel’s dominance in viewership underscores its reputation for impactful, credible reporting and engaging storytelling.
A key driver behind CNN-News18’s continued growth has been its strategic investments in both technology and editorial content. The network recently introduced a brand-new visual identity that embodies its philosophy of ‘One Screen, One Form, One Stream’. This design seamlessly integrates TV and digital content, creating a smooth, cross-platform experience tailored to the modern news consumer.
Moreover, CNN-News18 has placed a strong emphasis on enhancing viewer engagement by simplifying news consumption. With visually rich graphics, data explainers, and a focus on storytelling with fewer words and more visuals, the channel has aligned its presentation with evolving viewer preferences.
Anchors like Zakka Jacob, Anand Narasimhan, Rahul Shivshankar, and Shivani Gupta continue to lead prime-time news coverage, bolstered by a vast network of reporters deployed across the country. This robust field presence was especially evident during the coverage of recent elections, where CNN-News18 stood out for its depth of analysis and accessibility of information.
As per the BARC India’s Week 27 data, CNN-News18’s continued leadership clearly reflects the audience’s trust and preference for the channel’s news delivery style—clear, concise, and comprehensive.
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