Mumbai: CNN-News18 has garnered 26.3% market share in the India urban+rural (AB15+ segment) claiming the number one position, according to BARC data (week 14-17).
In the Prime-Time segment (2+ [Mon-Friday] 1800-2300 hrs), the channel has garnered 40.2% viewership share, compared to Republic with 25% and Times Now with 20.2%.
The channel’s viewership has gained steadily because of the added focus on programming, along with broad-basing content to all geographies across the country.
Commenting on the channel’s achievement, Zakka Jacob, Managing Editor, CNN-News18, said “I want to thank our viewers who have reposed immense faith in CNN News18’s programming and in our journalism. We have always believed in keeping it classy, that you don’t have to shout from the rooftops. That is reflected in our choice of stories and programming formats. CNN-News18 has to be the youngest newsroom in the country. We are reflective of a new, young India which is not shy of asserting itself. We are a young and dynamic team, and we are just getting started.”
Smriti Mehra, CEO, Business News, Network18 Group, said “The channel has managed to clinch the top position with its philosophy of bringing news which is rational and thought-provoking without any jingoism. A slew of new shows launched such as ‘Bits To Billion – The Unicorn Story’ focusing on the inspirational stories of the Unicorns, ‘Plain Speak’ which brings out the hard facts of the most talked-about news story and ‘A Billion New Ideas’ highlighting the power of the Ideas, Innovations and Intentions have put the channel firmly at the top.”