Mumbai: Times Now has completed 10 successful and momentous years. Over the last 8 years, it has remained the most popular and impactful channel, because of its action-oriented approach to news, driven by the highest standards of professional journalism. The channel was launched on 31st January 2006.
Within just two years of its 2006 launch, TIMES NOW raced away to become the biggest English news channel, and ever since, has remained India’s most popular and impactful television news channel – one that has delivered for the consumers and business associates, and most importantly for society and the Nation.
M K Anand, CEO&MD – Times Network, says, “Times Now is a truly iconic news channel respected for its committed, action-oriented, professional and impactful journalism. Times Now, NewsHour and Arnab Goswami are household names. It’s hard to imagine that just a decade ago, we did not have this mega brand. Times Now like other young global mega media brands is a reflection of what has changed in human society in the 21st century and what still endures as true and good. Over the last 10 years, TIMES NOW has led the nation’s discourse by stimulating collective national thought and resultant action and has become a strong agent of change. It is this drive that has not only made TIMES NOW India’s most impactful News Channel, but has also taken it to over 80 countries around the globe.”
Arnab Goswami, President, News, Editor-in-Chief of TIMES NOW, ET NOW and Magicbricks NOW, the original architect of the soul of TIMES NOW, its content, says, “Ten years ago, when we set about planning to create TIMES NOW, we questioned the old belief that news should remain just reported and hence a monologue. We asked ourselves: Why shouldn’t news be information plus added perspective of different news makers and thought leaders thrown in? Even as we innovated on strategy, questioned old formats, and infused news with speed, throughout, we have remained unwavering in our mission to maintain the highest ethical and professional standards of news reportage. We are committed to ensuring that relevant news does not remain hidden from the public, and that it sparks opinion, debate, and corrective action.”
“Through our approach to television news journalism, we have changed, forever, the way news was presented in India. As a result, TIMES NOW boasts of an exceptional top-of-mind recall.
“I am grateful to my entire team for their belief, abilities, commitment and dedication, and for all the hard work they put in unfailingly each day, which has helped make TIMES NOW the incomparable channel it is.”
Market Leader:
TIMES NOW has consistently been the most watched English News Channel over the last seven years and continues to dominate the market.
It has injected strong growth in the English News genre. It commands a 43% market share in the English News category (Source: BARC| Period: Wk. 52’15-03’16 |Market: All India 1Mn+|TG: NCCS AB Males 22+| Day part: All days, 24 hours| Weekly Share % Average.)
The channel, today, commands a whopping 58% overall market share during prime time in the English News category (Source: BARC| Period: Wk. 52’15-03’16 |Market: All India 1Mn+| TG: NCCS AB Males 22+| Day part: 2100-2230, Monday- Friday| Weekly Share % Average)
During the General Elections of 2014, TIMES NOW launched various new shows and formats leading to continuous spikes in its viewership. Its special programming and packaging covering all aspects of significance garnered viewership higher than that of all its competitors put together.
Also During General elections, it was the first choice of viewers with 45% share in the English News category. (Source: BARC | Period: 16th May 2014| Market: All India 1Mn+| TG: NCCS AB Males 22+| Day part: All days, 24 hours| Share % based on Rat ‘000s)
The channel commanded an enormous share of 56% during the recently concluded Bihar General Elections in the English News category. (Source: BARC| Period: 08th November 2015| Market: All India 1Mn+| TG: NCCS AB Males 22+| Day part: All days, 24 hours| Share % based on Rat ‘000s)
It also became the first Indian channel ever to be beamed live at the Times Square, New York on counting day.
Crusader Campaigns:
Under the Editorial leadership of one of India’s most well-known and awarded journalists, Arnab Goswami, the highly respected editorial team of TIMES NOW has launched tireless crusader campaigns benefiting every strata of society. These have helped it garner the trust and appreciation of the public, and resultant market leadership.
The channel has always been one of the first to break strong emerging stories including some of the gravest issues — like the CWG scam, the IPL scam, the Coalgate scam and the 2G scam, bringing to the knees powerful personalities who wrongly believed they could not be touched.
It also provides a daily dose of enlightening debate. The Newshour and Frankly Speaking with Arnab Goswami are the most popular programmes, with a large, loyal fan base, bold and intensive formats, engaging debates, and leaders and opinion makers in conversation with India’s most popular news presenter. These are the shows that get the biggest political leaders, most powerful influencers and business captains up close and personal with the viewers.
The reporters at TIMES NOW are known for courageous investigative journalism and reporting that spark opinion and debate on all matters of national and international importance.
Action Begins Here:
TIMES NOW repositioned itself in December 2014 using the definitive Action Begins Here, tag line to reposition itself as a fearless crusader willing to place on the table such burning issues as farmer suicides, women and children’s safety, corruption etc.
Some of the milestone recent reportage on TIMES NOW includes the Lalit Modi investigation, the VVIP racism campaign, the Kargil Vijay Diwas episodes and the series on Amazing Indians.
Three years ago TIMES NOW embarked on a unique program called Amazing Indians. This feature attempted to showcase the wonderful journey of driven individuals who with their relentless effort, perseverance, inspiration, valour and ceaseless passion have brought along discernible winds of change. In the fourth season of this rousing voyage, TIMES traversed the length and breadth of the country to unearth, recognize and award more stories of the remarkable work done by people, and at a grand finale of the series’ 4th season, we saw the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, not only felicitate each and every winner, but also deliver a heartfelt tribute to their achievements and service.
As the channel completes 10 years of sparking debates, opinions and conversations that demand and drive change to make a profound impact on the nation and in 80 other countries, it renews its dedication to uphold the highest standards of journalism to create the maximum positive impact.
