Times Now, a prominent player in the English news domain, continues to maintain its unwavering supremacy, securing the top position for over 15 years in the English news segment.

According to the latest data from BARC ratings, Times Now has achieved a remarkable feat by securing a commanding 30.7 percent share, solidifying its position as the undisputed Number 1 English TV news channel, the channel said in a press release.

This achievement spans more than a year, from Week 16 of 2022 to Week 33 of 2023, within the most crucial target group for English News – the NCCS AB 22+ males in 10L+ markets.

The accomplishments of Times Now become more pronounced as it has outperformed its rivals during this period. Republic TV secured a 29.1 percent share, while CNN News18 trailed with a 22 percent share, further highlighting Times Now’s leadership and dominance in the English news landscape.

Recent viewership data, spanning the last 8 weeks and accurately representing the current scenario, reaffirms Times Now’s status as the #1 choice across multiple target groups, including NCCS AB 22+ and NCCS AB 22+ Males in 10L+ markets. Republic TV and CNN News18 occupy the second and third positions in this ranking, respectively.

However, as the political atmosphere intensifies with impending elections, advertising campaigns have become ubiquitous. Yet, concerns have been raised by industry insiders regarding the accuracy and legitimacy of certain claims made in these campaigns. In particular, an advertisement by CNN News18 has drawn scrutiny for claiming the #1 position based on India | 2+ (2 years plus) rating data.

Industry sources have questioned the relevance of using such a broad target group, considering that children between 2 -14 years of age are not likely to engage with news content. Additionally, CNN News18’s data set includes viewership data from India’s rural markets, which industry experts assert is not the industry standard for the core English news target group.

An industry insider emphasized that accuracy and relevance are paramount in news reporting, stating that numbers devoid of context hold little value. The professional community in the field acknowledges that viewership statistics must align with the relevant target audience to provide meaningful insights. Industry veterans also caution against twisting the truth for the sake of gaining visibility, underscoring the significance of ethical reporting and transparent communication.

As the political landscape evolves in anticipation of the upcoming elections, industry observers hope for a balanced and responsible approach from all stakeholders in the news sector. Maintaining credibility and adhering to journalistic integrity remain pivotal in ensuring informed public discourse.