Mumbai, May 31, 2024: Asserting its dominance as the election news headquarters, Times Now emerged as the preferred news destination during the six weeks polling phase of Lok Sabha elections.Commanding the electoral landscape with extensive election reportage, and curated programming, Times Now led with29% market share (BARC| 10L+| NCCS AB 22+| Wk.16-21’24) and garnered an impressive 31% market share (BARC| 10L+| NCCS AB 22+| Wk.21’24, Weekdays 2000-2300hrs)in primetime viewership outpacing itscompetitors.
Viewership Shares – Wk.16-21 2024
| Channel | TVTs | Shares% |
| Times Now | 557 | 29% |
| CNN News18 | 506 | 27% |
| Republic TV | 403 | 21% |
| India Today Television | 248 | 13% |
| Mirror Now | 102 | 5% |
| BBC News | 52 | 3% |
| WION(v) | 35 | 2% |
| Genre | 1903 | 100% |
Source: BARC| 10L+| NCCS AB 22+| Wk.16-21’24
| Prime Time Shares | ||||
| Channel | 8:00 PM | 9:00 PM | 10:00 PM | Prime Time |
| Times Now | 39% | 29% | 27% | 31% |
| Republic TV | 21% | 27% | 15% | 22% |
| India Today Television | 19% | 23% | 21% | 21% |
| CNN News18 | 12% | 14% | 21% | 16% |
| Mirror Now | 6% | 6% | 6% | 6% |
| BBC News | 0% | 1% | 8% | 3% |
| WION(v) | 1% | 2% | 2% | 2% |
| Genre | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
Source: BARC| 10L+| NCCS AB 22+| Wk.21’24, Weekdays 2000-2300hrs
As the elections advanced in phases, on the 5th phase of polling day, May 20, 2024, Times Now demonstrated its leadership by securing an impressive 27% viewership share (BARC| 10L+| NCCS AB 22+| 20th May 2024)reinforcing its dominance even on polling days.
| 5th Polling Day – 20th May 2024 | ||
| Channel | Shares% | |
| Times Now | 27% | |
| Republic TV | 24% | |
| CNN News18 | 25% | |
| India Today Television | 15% | |
| Mirror Now | 6% | |
| BBC News | 1% | |
| WION(v) | 1% | |
| Genre | 100% | |
Source: BARC| 10L+| NCCS AB 22+| 20th May 2024
Election news coverage on Times Now set a new benchmark in reportage, offering viewers comprehensive and engaging content throughout the electoral process. The channel’s strategic content included flagship shows like India Upfront and The Newshour;exclusive interviews with top political leaders such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, which were top picks among viewers. In a series of firsts for the channel, the special election programming featured engaging shows such as Election Premier League, Public Manch, and National Debate that encouraged critical thinking and active engagement in the democratic process, solidifying Times Now’s position as the go-to choice for election coverage. Enhancing the election coverage, the innovative ‘Election Yatra’ mobile studio travelled across the country, capturing the essence of democracy through interviews and on-ground talk shows.
