News18 India has surged to the top of the Hindi news genre, clocking record-breaking viewership and reach during the recent India-Pakistan conflict.

As per the latest data released by the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC), the channel saw an exceptional rise in both viewership and cumulative reach, clearly outperforming all other competitors.

According to BARC data (Market: HSM, TG: 2+, Period: Week 18’25 – 7th May to 9th May), News18 India registered 39,341 AMA 000’s, reflecting a massive 96.5 percent jump in viewership. Alongside, its Cumulative Reach’00 hit 45,438, marking an impressive 49.9 percent increase. The channel’s dominant performance during the week came amidst the tense geopolitical backdrop of India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’, which captured national attention.

This performance was shared in a press release by Network18, highlighting News18 India’s sharp focus on responsible journalism and accurate reporting during a period marked by widespread misinformation and speculation. Unlike others who resorted to sensationalism, News18 India maintained its editorial integrity, breaking major updates including the critical DGMO calls that contributed to the de-escalation of attacks.

Not just limited to its Hindi flagship, the Network18 general news portfolio as a whole reaffirmed its leadership as India’s most-watched news network. The network collectively garnered 81,155 AMA 000’s, showing a sharp 82.8 percent surge in overall viewership, while its Cumulative Reach’00 soared to 1,02,485, up by 38.6 percent during the same period. (Source: BARC, Market: India, TG: 2+, Period: Wk 18’25 – 7th May to 9th May, Channels: Network18 excluding business)

This surge is attributed to the network’s extensive nationwide presence, consistent power-packed programming, and its team of India’s most credible anchors and reporters who delivered ground-level, real-time updates throughout the high-stakes week. The balanced and comprehensive reporting played a significant role in winning viewers’ trust during the national security crisis.

Network18’s general news division includes premium national channels like News18 India and CNN-News18, as well as a powerful bouquet of regional channels such as News18 Uttar Pradesh/Uttarakhand, News18 Bihar/Jharkhand, News18 MP/Chhattisgarh, News18 Rajasthan, News18 Lokmat, and several others across Indian languages. These platforms ensured wide-ranging and deep coverage, connecting with audiences from metros to rural belts.

The group emphasized that News18 Network has retained its No.1 position nationally for over two years now, a testament to its strong editorial foundation and viewer loyalty.