Top 10 News Channels in India in 2023: a Comprehensive List

The top 10 news channels in India are helping its citizens to stay updated with every incident that is important to them. India is a nation of great significance, characterised by its rich diversity across various dimensions. 

This vibrant country consistently hosts special events catering to its citizens’ diverse interests. These events are diligently organised and broadcasted by reputable news channels like India Today Live TV and Times Now,  ensuring widespread coverage and accessibility for every Indian citizen. 

India is a big democratic country with a strong media industry that provides essential news and information to its large population. Many news channels in India cater to different languages, regions, and viewpoints. 

People in India have many options to choose from when it comes to staying informed about current events. In this article, we will discuss the top 10 news channels in India that are known for providing timely and trustworthy news.

• How do news channels make money?
• How do news channels earn money?

News channels make money through advertising, subscription fees, sponsorships, retransmission fees, and product placement. Advertising is the most common way companies pay to air their commercials during breaks. 

News channels charge subscription fees to viewers who want access to their content. Sponsorships involve companies paying for mentions of their products or services on air. Retransmission fees are paid by cable and satellite providers to carry the news channels. 

Product placement means featuring a company’s products or services in news stories. The amount of money earned depends on audience size, popular shows, and the types of ads and sponsorships they have.

Which Are the Top 10 News Channels in India?

The Top 10 News Channels in India Are:

• Times Now
• Aaj Tak
• Zee News
• CNN News18
• NDTV 24×7
• India Today
• Republic TV
• News Nation
• ABP News
• News18 India

These are the best Indian news channels based on their popularity, subscribers, and unbiased opinion. 

Indian News channels are ranked based on various factors, such as the number of viewers they attract, ratings from audience measurement systems, and the level of engagement they generate online.

1. Times Now

Times Now is one of India’s most renowned news channels and the No. 1 news channel in India, providing comprehensive coverage of national and international news. Established in 2006, Times Now quickly gained popularity for its in-depth reporting and unbiased journalism. 

It is headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, and was founded by Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd., a Times Group subsidiary. Times Now sister channels include Times Now, Navbharat, Zoom, ET Now, Movies Now, Romedy Now, MN+, MNX, and Mirror Now.

It has a viewership of over 100 million subscribers, and the most watched show is Times Now Live TV. Their sister channels include Times Now World, which caters to international news, and Mirror Now, which delivers information on civic and social issues.

2. Aaj Tak

Aaj Tak is a leading Indian Hindi-language news channel founded on December 31, 2000. Aaj Tak is headquartered in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India, and is a part of the India Today Group and is owned by Living Media.

Aaj Tak is known for its large viewership; the most viewed show is Aaj Tak Live. With a broad audience base, Aaj Tak provides news across various genres, including politics, entertainment, sports, and business. 

The India Today Group owns a range of sister channels, including India Today, Tez, Dilli Aaj Tak, Good News Today/GNT, and Business Today Television. 

3. Zee News

Zee News is one of the most renowned  Indian news channels that has been delivering news and information to its viewers since its establishment. Founded on October 27, 1999, Zee News has its headquarters in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.

The channel was founded by Subhash Chandra, a renowned Indian entrepreneur and media mogul. Zee News has garnered substantial viewership over the years, positioning itself as one of the top news channels in India, and their show Zee news live also gained popularity. 

In India, viewers can watch Zee News in Hindi. Zee News has a network of sister channels that complement its news coverage. These include channels like Zee Business, Zee Hindustan, and Zee 24 Taas.

4. Cnn News18

 

CNN News18 is a central Indian news channel that has been delivering news and information to its viewers since its establishment. Founded on January 19, 2005, CNN News18 has its headquarters in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India. 

The channel was launched as a partnership between CNN and Network18, a leading media conglomerate in India. CNN News18 offers diverse news programs, including breaking news, current affairs, politics, business, sports, and entertainment.

As part of the Network18 group, CNN News18 has a network of sister channels that complement its news coverage, including News18 India, News18 Bangla, News18 Lokmat, News18 Gujarati, News18 Kannada, News18 Tamil Nadu, News18 Kerala, News18 J&K-Ladakh-Himachal, News18 Assam-North East, News18 Odia, News18 Uttar Pradesh Uttarakhand, News18 Madhya Pradesh-Chhattisgarh, News18 Bihar-Jharkhand, News18 Punjab-Haryana, and News18 Rajasthan.

5. Ndtv 24×7

NDTV 24×7 is a leading Indian news channel delivering comprehensive news coverage to its viewers since its establishment. Founded on November 25, 1988, NDTV 24×7 has its headquarters in New Delhi, India. Radhika Roy and Prannoy Roy, renowned media personalities in India, founded the channel.

NDTV 24×7 has gained widespread recognition as NDTV Live and is considered one of the top news channels in India. With its emphasis on quality journalism, NDTV 24×7 has built a strong reputation for unbiased reporting and insightful analysis.

NDTV 24×7 is part of the NDTV network, which includes other sister channels such as NDTV India, NDTV Prime, and NDTV Profit. 

6. India Today

India Today is one of the best Indian news channels that has shaped the media landscape since its establishment. Founded on May 1, 2003, India Today has its headquarters in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India. 

The channel was founded by the India Today Group, a leading media conglomerate in India. India Today has emerged as one of the top news channels in India, delivering reliable news coverage across various domains. 

This channel keeps you updated on what’s happening today in India. As part of the India Today Group, the news channel is associated with several sister channels, including Aaj Tak, India Today TV, Tez, and Dilli Aaj Tak. 

7. Republic Tv

Republic TV is a leading Indian news channel that has significantly impacted the media landscape since its establishment. Founded on May 6, 2017, Republic TV has its headquarters in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. Renowned journalist and media personality Arnab Goswami launched the channel.

Republic TV has emerged as one of the top news channels in India. With its bold and outspoken approach, Republic TV has garnered a dedicated viewership with Republic TV Live and has become a trusted news source for many Indians.

As part of its media network, Republic TV has sister channels that further contribute to its news coverage and influence in the industry. Republic Bharat (Republic Bharat Live), a Hindi news channel, is one of its notable sister channels. 

8. News Nation

News Nation is one of the best Indian news channels serving the nation with news and information since its establishment. Founded on September 14, 2012, News Nation has its headquarters in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India. 

The channel was founded by Mr Jagat Sharma, a renowned journalist and media entrepreneur. News Nation Hindi has garnered a significant net viewership, positioning itself among the top news channels in India. 

News State UP/UK, News State MP/CG, and News State Bihar/Jharkhand are some notable sister channels associated with News Nation. 

9. Abp News

ABP News, a leading Indian news channel, has been the nation’s trusted source of news and information since its establishment. The track was founded on June 18, 2003, and its headquarters is in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India. 

The visionary behind ABP News is Mr Aveek Sarkar, a renowned media entrepreneur. ABP News Live has garnered a substantial net viewership, solidifying its position among the top news channels in India. 

ABP News Hindi boasts several sister channels that enhance the news coverage and cater to viewers’ interests. ABP Ananda, ABP Maza, and ABP Asmita are some of the sister channels associated with ABP News.

10. News18 India

News18 India, a renowned Indian news channel, has provided comprehensive news coverage since its establishment. The track was founded on January 20, 2005, and its headquarters is in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India. 

The visionary behind News18 Hindi India is the Network18 Group, a renowned media conglomerate. News18 Live India covers diverse topics, including politics, current affairs, business, sports, entertainment, and more, delivering in-depth news analysis and breaking stories to its audience.

Network18 Group’s sister channels include CNN-News18, News18 Bangla, News18 Lokmat, News18 Gujarati, News18 Kannada, News18 Tamil Nadu, News 18 Kerala, News18 J&K-Ladakh-Himachal, News18 Assam-North East, News18 Odia, News18 Uttar Pradesh Uttarakhand, News18 Madhya Pradesh-Chhattisgarh, News18 Bihar-Jharkhand, News18 Punjab-Haryana, and News18 Rajasthan.

Faqs

1. Which is the Best News Channel in India?

Times Now is one of India’s most renowned news channels and the No. 1 news channel in India, providing comprehensive coverage of national and international news. It has a viewership of over 100 million subscribers, and the most watched show is Times Now Live TV. 

2. How Do News Channels Gather News?

News channels gather news through various methods such as news agencies like Reuters and AP, news tips from viewers and citizen journalists, press releases from government agencies and organisations, attending news conferences, and conducting research and data analysis. 

3. When Did News Channels Start in India?

News channels started in India in the early 1990s. The first 24-hour news channel in the country, Doordarshan News, was launched in 1995. After this, Many news channels have emerged, providing round-the-clock news coverage and analysis to the Indian audience.

4. What News Channels Are on Dish Tv?

There are over 80 News Channels in India, including Times Now, Aaj Tak, Zee News, CNN News18, NDTV 24×7, India Today, Republic TV, News Nation, ABP News, and News18 India.

5. Which Are the Top 5 News Channels in India?

The top 5 news channels in India are:

• Times Now
• Aaj Tak
• Zee News
• CNN News18
• NDTV 24×7

These are the best Indian news channels based on their popularity, subscribers, and unbiased opinion. 

Conclusion

The top news channels in India play an important role in shaping public opinion, informing citizens, and holding those in power accountable. Indian News Channels provide timely and reliable coverage on various topics, including politics, current affairs, business, sports, and entertainment. 

These Indian news channels contribute to the growth and development of the country by fostering a well-informed society, promoting transparency, and empowering citizens with knowledge.