News channels are vital in informing the public about the latest events, trends, and developments. Over the years, the news industry in India has experienced significant growth thanks to its diverse audience consuming content in various languages and formats. Beyond being a source of information, news channels also serve as a key platform for advertisers looking to reach specific demographics. With so many options available, selecting the right news channel for advertising has become a crucial strategic decision.
In this article, we’ll explore top 10 news channels in India, highlight current trends in Indian television advertising, and discuss key considerations for businesses aiming to make impactful advertising decisions. Additionally, for businesses interested in creating their own news platforms, collaborating with a news portal development company can be an excellent choice to reach a targeted audience effectively.
Market Trends in Indian Television Advertising
The Indian television advertising market ranks among the largest in the world, and news channels have considerable market share due to their steady viewership. Some of the trends one can note are as follows.
Regional Growth
Regional news channels are the ones that are gaining growth. Advertisers are identifying the opportunity to reach the vernacular audience. These channels, such as Sun News and ABP Majha, are major market players.
Digital Partnerships
Most news channels have digital platforms, so cross-media advertising is possible. Brands can reach the audience through television and online platforms simultaneously.
Prime Time Viewership
News channels are always in demand for prime-time slots because they attract peak audiences. Special debates, election coverage, and breaking news moments attract much attention.
Niche Audiences
News channels specialized in business, sports, or regional content attract niche audiences. CNBC-TV18, for instance, caters to the business professional crowd, whereas DD News has a broad nationalistic audience.
Election Period Boost:
News channels see a huge rush of advertisements during elections due to increased political activity and heightened viewership.
Top 10 News Channels in India
| Channel Name | Viewership Rating | Target Demographics |
| Aaj Tak | High (Leading in TRP charts) | Hindi-speaking national audience, urban & rural |
| Zee News | High | Hindi-speaking viewers with a nationalist perspective |
| ABP News | High | Regional and Hindi-speaking audiences in urban and rural areas |
| NDTV India | Moderate | Hindi-speaking urban viewers, socially conscious audiences |
| India TV | High | Hindi-speaking mass audience, focusing on infotainment |
| CNN-News18 | Moderate | English-speaking urban professionals and global news consumers |
| DD News | Moderate | National audience, particularly rural and semi-urban viewers |
| News18 India | High | Hindi-speaking urban and semi-urban audiences |
| Republic TV | High | English-speaking viewers interested in debates and opinionated content |
| Times Now | High | English-speaking, urban professionals, and young viewers |
1. Aaj Tak
Aaj Tak was first among Indian television news. It is considered to be in the top 10 news channels in India. This news channel became iconic due to the popular tagline ‘Sabse Tez‘, or The Fastest. Its reporting style has brought revolutionary change to Hindi news broadcasts as a whole. With such rich content for national and regional news, its coverage and investigation of stories have received accolades from across the nation over time. Despite making way for digital platforms, this channel continues to build upon its legacy of news reports in the traditional method as well.
Aaj Tak, with its unique brand identity of red and white, has become synonymous with credible news reporting within Indian boundaries, consistently topping in watch value lists of the country’s major television news channels. It successfully maintains its position with newer styles of programming and more ability to connect with different levels of audiences.
Key Highlights:
- Founder: Aroon Purie
- Established: 2000
- Headquarters: Noida, Uttar Pradesh
- Owner: TV Today Network
- Famous Shows: Dangal, Halla Bol, Special Report
2. Zee News
Zee News is India’s first private news channel and, thus, the first private news channel in the country. With various reporters and bureaus across India, it is one of the most potent news media houses. It combines old-style journalism with the new-age storytelling technique to analyze political developments and social issues in-depth. Committing the channel to regional coverage, in tandem with national news, helped it hold its relationship to viewership through the diverse states.
Its investigation and special programs have made the agenda in national discourses most of the time. The evolution of the channel from the old traditional news broadcaster into the modern multiple-platform news organization speaks well about this organization’s responsiveness to the shift in the media.
Key Highlights:
- Founder: Subhash Chandra
- Established: 1999
- Headquarters: Noida, Uttar Pradesh
- Owner: Zee Media Corporation
- Famous Shows: DNA, Taal Thok Ke, Daily News & Analysis
3. ABP News
ABP News has, therefore, occupied a niche with its very balanced reporting and focus on investigative journalism. For instance, the changeover of Star News to ABP News marked a shift in the new editorial direction toward more emphasis on regional stories that acquired national significance. It, therefore, boasts of one of the most strong election analyses and is considered one of the best news channels in India.
This also comes in top 10 news channels in India. This innovation of technology by the channel in news presentation and targeting the youth segment has ensured its survival in a very competitive marketplace. Its dedication to grassroots reporting and sa trong focus on social issues has made the channel a strong favorite in terms of viewer loyalty. The digital version of the channel supports its television well.
Key Highlights:
- Founder: Prafulla Kumar Sarkar
- Established: 1998
- Headquarters: Noida, Uttar Pradesh
- Owner: ABP Group
- Famous Shows: Master Stroke, Siyasat Ka Sensex, Kaun Banega Mukhyamantri
4. NDTV India
The reason NDTV India stands out from the rest of the crowd is because it approaches news broadcasting with great sophistication and a quality journal. This channel has always been an important part in the standards raised by Hindi news broadcasts with their focus on fact-based reporting and in-depth analysis. Known for its balanced coverage and progressive approach, NDTV India has never compromised with its high editorial standards.
Respects across the spectrum are attributed to the channel’s coverage of social issues, developmental news, and political developments. Innovative programming formats, plus a commitment to journalistic ethics, have set benchmarks for this channel. Apart from regular news, its focus on educational content and health-related topics has allowed it to hold onto an identity.
Key Highlights:
- Founder: Prannoy Roy and Radhika Roy
- Established: 1988
- Headquarters: New Delhi
- Owner: NDTV Group
- Famous Shows: Ravish Ki Report, Prime Time, Muqabla
5. India TV
With accurate reporting and innovative programming, formats have put India TV ahead of other contenders. Typically accompanied by drama, news finds an easily understandable presentation and has garnered a high percentage share for the Hindi news segment. Being a major destination for the best investigative pieces and extensive coverage of current events has helped it give a niche sound in the news dissemination sector.
Because it is able to focus on crime reporting and social issues as well as political reporting, the channel enjoys huge viewership numbers. Breaks in big stories and presenting complexities in accessible formats have characterized the station’s success. Visual storytelling and dramatizing its presentation have made the channel quite unmatched for anything close in the news space.
Key Highlights:
- Founder: Rajat Sharma
- Established: 2004
- Headquarters: Noida, Uttar Pradesh
- Owner: Independent News Service
- Famous Shows: Aap Ki Adalat, Kurukshetra, Aaj ki Taza Khabar
6. CNN News 18
CNN News 18 has become one of the leading English news channels through international standards and local insights. The channel brings global news coverage practices to the Indian audience while retaining local reporting in its stride with CNN International. Its approach to modern news presentation and youth-oriented content has helped it remain relevant in changing media times. With emphasis on business news and coverage of technology, along with its political reporting, CNN News 18 has well-rounded news.
The professional approach with balanced presentation has maintained standards in the broadcast journalism of this channel. Digital integration, innovative use of social media, and the use of these platforms have enabled it to reach out to young minds effectively.
Key Highlights:
- Founder: Raghav Bahl
- Established: 2005
- Headquarters: Noida, Uttar Pradesh
- Owner: Network18 Group (Reliance Industries)
- Famous Shows: Viewpoint, The Right Stand, Hard Facts
7. DD News
DD News is India’s state-owned news network that broadcasts developmental news on a widespread basis. Since it belongs to the public domain, government policy and other schemes initiated by central and state governments receive adequate coverage without losing their neutrality in the way they present news to the people. Its reach into far-flung parts of the country is considerable through a massive network of regional bureaus.
DD News has changed and evolved with time, so it is now modern in its presentation but is still based on public service broadcasting. It covers mostly rural issues and developmental stories that private channels don’t because they lack such a perspective, and the channel’s content is multilingual and contains cultural programs that are rather unique in the news.
Key Highlights:
- Founder: Government of India
- Established: 2003
- Headquarters: New Delhi
- Owner: Ministry of information and broadcasting of GoI
- Famous Shows: News Night, Indian Diplomacy, Money Mantra
8. News18 India
News18 India merges aggressive reporting with innovative programming formats to keep the audience interested. It has made a name through complete coverage of political events and social issues, usually beginning with investigative reports. It covers regional and national news, helping it stay at an optimum level in terms of viewership in all the states.
Its dynamic presentation and modern graphics have made it popular among young audiences. News18 India has grown to become a massive force in Hindi news broadcasting in relation to political debates and coverage of elections. News18 India has strengthened its presence across the media by integrating digital platforms with its channel.
Key Highlights:
- Founder: Network18 Group
- Established: 2005
- Headquarters: Noida, Uttar Pradesh
- Owner: Network18 Group (Reliance Industries)
- Famous Shows: Aar Paar, Sau Baat Ki Ek Baat, Desh Ko Jawab Do
9. Republic TV
Republic TV has rapidly emerged as one of the leading channels in English news broadcasts with its aggressive reporting style and high-energy presentation. The channel is known for investigative journalism and breaking news. It generally starts reports with exclusive stories and exposures. Its approach towards presenting news and focus on nationalist narratives have brought it a huge viewership base.
It is the best English news channel in india. Modern technology in news gathering and presentation is a new trend that has set the channel. It is also known for direct, confrontational journalism styles. Republic TV changed the face of English news broadcasting in India. A strong digital presence supplements the channel’s television broadcasts.
Key Highlights:
- Founder: Arnab Goswami
- Established: 2017
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Owner: ARG Outlier Media
- Famous Shows: The Debate, Nation Wants to Know, R Glitz
10. Times Now
Times Now has been a professional and highly informative leader in English news channels. The channel, especially focusing on urban issues, international news, and national politics, has given it an individual identity. Times Now is known for its investigative reportage and in-depth analysis, which places high standards on news broadcasting. This channel is among the top 10 news channels in India.
The channel has managed to sustain a diversified viewership through business news and lifestyle content besides regular news coverage. Its modern studio facilities and innovative technology usage in news presentation keep it ahead in broadcast journalism. The digital integration of the channel has effectively reached out to the younger generation.
Key Highlights:
- Founder: Times Group
- Established: 2006
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Owner: Times Network
- Famous Shows: The Newshour, India Upfront, Blueprint
Factors to Consider When Choosing a News Channel for Advertising
This, therefore, is a strategic thinking required to choose the right newscast channel for ad placement. Some of the important considerations that one should keep in mind are:
Target Audience
The target audience’s profile matches that of the particular top 10 news channels in India. For instance, if one’s brand caters more to the youth, channels such as NDTV 24×7 or Times Now, carrying urban-centric content, become apt.
Language and Region
Regional news channels like ETV Telugu or Asianet News would be an ideal choice if a brand targets a specific region or linguistic group.
Content-Type
Business-specific ones are CNBC-TV18, general news like Republic TV, and regional updates on channels like TV9 Kannada.
Viewership Ratings
Channels with high TRPs of Television Rating Points are the indicators of good viewership engagement. Advertisers should refer to TRP data in the selection of a channel.
Budget
Advertising on India’s top 10 news channels, like Aaj Tak or India Today, is mostly more expensive than regional ones. First, assess your budget before finalizing a channel.
Timing
Prime time slots are always recommended for visibility purposes, but if you cater to the non-peak-time viewer, you could pay the lowest price for your ads.
Conclusion
The top 10 News channels in India are among the most effective channels for information and advertisement. As the Indian television space caters to various sections, advertisements have plenty of scopes for reaching the right audience. However, that can only be achieved after considering several other factors like the channel profile, language, content, and budget.
From nationally acclaimed channels like Aaj Tak and Republic TV to regional favorites like TV9, advertisers must align their strategies with those of the target demographics. With the right platforms, brands can truly impact communication and maximize their ROI in this competitive market.
FAQs
Which is the No.1 news channel in India?
Aaj Tak is generally the no.1 news channel because its TRP ratings are so high in India most of the time.
Which regional news channels are highly popular?
Regional channels are gaining popularity due to catering to localized linguistic and cultural groups.
What is TRP when choosing a particular news channel for advertisement?
TRP (Television Rating Points) indicates the viewership of a channel, helping advertisers assess its popularity and reach.
Are news channels expensive for advertising?
The cost of advertising depends on the channel’s popularity, audience demographics, and time slots chosen for the ads.
