Indian News Channels – What You Need to Know
If you’re scrolling for the latest headlines, you probably wonder which TV channel gives the fastest, most reliable news. India has dozens of news networks, from national giants to regional players. This guide breaks down the top channels, how they rank, and the easiest ways to watch them today.
Top National News Channels
At the national level, four names dominate the ratings game: ABP News, Aaj Tak, India TV, and NDTV 24×7. Aaj Tak leads with the highest viewership in the urban belt, thanks to its punchy headlines and live breaking‑news alerts. ABP News follows closely, offering a mix of political analysis and regional bulletins. India TV is known for its debate shows and celebrity interviews, while NDTV 24×7 focuses on in‑depth reporting and investigative pieces.
All four broadcast round the clock on cable, DTH, and most OTT platforms. If you prefer a single source for business updates, CNBC-TV18 provides market‑focused news in a clear, jargon‑free style.
Regional Channels That Matter
India’s linguistic diversity means regional channels often beat national ones in local viewership. In the Hindi belt, Zee News and India Today are popular. For Tamil speakers, Sun TV News and News18 Tamil Nadu deliver state‑specific stories. Malayalam viewers rely on Manorama News**, while **Asianet News** covers Kerala’s daily pulse.
Most regional channels also stream live on their own apps or on platforms like JioTV and Airtel Xstream, so you can catch the news on a phone without a TV set.
Now, how do you actually watch these channels? If you have a cable or DTH connection, just add the channel number to your favorites list. For mobile users, the most reliable apps are:
- JioTV – free for Jio users, includes most national and regional news.
- Airtel Xstream – works on any device, offers ad‑supported live streams.
- Youtube – many channels run official live streams 24/7.
- Hotstar – streams Aaj Tak, NDTV, and some regional news for free.
All these apps work on Android, iOS, and web browsers, so you can switch between phone, tablet, or laptop without missing a beat.
One more tip: if you want to avoid ads, most news apps let you sign up for a premium plan. The cost is usually under INR 200 a month and it removes interruptions during live coverage.
Finally, keep an eye on the weekly ratings released by BARC. They show which channels are gaining viewers and which ones are falling behind. A channel’s rating often reflects its credibility and speed in reporting, so a higher‑ranked channel is usually a safer bet for accurate news.
Whether you prefer fast‑paced headlines or slow, detailed analysis, India’s news landscape has a channel that fits your style. Use the tips above to find the right one, add it to your watch list, and stay informed without the hassle.
What should all the Indian news channels stop doing?
In my latest post, I've discussed the concerning practices that Indian news channels need to stop. The incessant sensationalism and dramatization of news, often at the cost of factual reporting, is a trend that needs to be curtailed. The over-dependence on TRP ratings often leads to a race for sensational news, sidelining the importance of real issues. Furthermore, news channels need to realize their responsibility in maintaining communal harmony, and refrain from spreading hate speech and communal bias. Lastly, they need to reduce excessive advertisements, which often hamper the continuity and comprehensibility of news.