top 10 news channel in india
Top 10 News Channel in India with Highest TRP
Week Rolling Average (May–June 2025)
1. News18 India – 13.4%
2. Aaj Tak – 12.7%
3. TV9 Bharatvarsh – 11.8%
4. India TV – 10.5%
5. Republic Bharat – 10.0%
6. Zee News – 9.9%
7. Times Now Navbharat – 9.2%
8. ABP News – 6.8%
9. News Nation – 5.7%
10. Good News Today – 4.0%
Top 10 Hindi News Channels in India (2025): A Detailed Analysis
Television Rating Points (TRP) or the relative share of viewership has long been one of the most critical indicators of a news channel’s popularity and its ability to reach the masses. In 2025, the competition among Hindi news channels in India has become even more intense with the growing number of digital platforms, changing viewer preferences, and evolving news consumption habits. Despite these changes, television remains one of the most influential mediums for news dissemination in India, especially in the Hindi-speaking belt.
Data from the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) provides insights into the weekly performance and rolling averages of the top Hindi news channels. Here, we look closely at the top 10 channels in 2025, their TRPs, and the factors influencing their positions.
1. News18 India: The Unchallenged Leader
In 2025, News18 India has emerged as the undisputed leader in the Hindi news segment. Week after week, the channel has managed to maintain the top position, often leaving its competitors behind by a comfortable margin.
- TRP Data:
- Week 16 (April 19–25): 13.2% relative share
- Rolling Average (May–June): 13.4%
- Early 2025 (January): 14.1%
The channel’s dominance can be attributed to a mix of factors. Its aggressive coverage style, high-decibel debates, and a strong focus on political and breaking news resonate with audiences. Furthermore, the channel has invested heavily in on-ground reporting, especially during election periods and major national events, which has helped it attract viewers seeking real-time updates.
Another factor contributing to News18 India’s success is its integration of regional coverage with national news. Many viewers in tier-2 and tier-3 cities prefer channels that combine regional flavor with big national headlines, and News18 India has positioned itself well in this segment.
2. Aaj Tak: The Consistent Performer
Aaj Tak, one of India’s oldest and most trusted news brands, has maintained its position as the second-most popular Hindi news channel in 2025.
- TRP Data:
- Week 16: 12.4% relative share
- Rolling Average (May–June): 12.7%
- January 2025: 13.4%
While Aaj Tak used to dominate the ratings chart in earlier years, especially in the 2010s and early 2020s, the competition has intensified in recent times with channels like News18 India and TV9 Bharatvarsh chipping away at its viewership.
However, Aaj Tak’s reputation for credible journalism, its experienced anchors, and the popularity of its digital platform have kept it consistently near the top. The channel also benefits from its strong urban viewership base and innovative programming formats like “Halla Bol” and “Special Reports,” which continue to attract loyal audiences.
3. TV9 Bharatvarsh: The Fast-Rising Contender
TV9 Bharatvarsh has firmly established itself as a leading player in the Hindi news market, consistently securing the third spot in 2025.
- TRP Data:
- Week 16: 10.6% relative share
- Rolling Average (May–June): 11.8%
The channel has grown rapidly in recent years by focusing on aggressive political coverage and 24×7 breaking news updates. Its distinctive style appeals to viewers in both urban and rural markets.
Moreover, TV9 Bharatvarsh has invested significantly in technological upgrades and regional reporting, enabling it to expand its reach. Its rising TRPs show that viewers are increasingly gravitating toward channels offering quick, punchy, and regionally connected news formats.
4. Republic Bharat: High-Decibel Debates and Popularity
Republic Bharat, the Hindi arm of the Republic Media Network, continues to hold the fourth position in 2025. Known for its loud debates and aggressive editorial stance, the channel has carved out a niche among viewers who prefer opinionated and debate-driven content.
- TRP Data:
- Week 16: 10.2% relative share
- Rolling Average (May–June): 10.0%
Republic Bharat’s strategy of focusing on nationalism, crime stories, and political debates has kept it relevant among a section of the audience. However, the channel faces criticism for being too sensational at times, which may have prevented it from overtaking more balanced players like News18 India and Aaj Tak.
5. India TV: Balancing Sensationalism with Serious Coverage
In fifth place, India TV continues to perform strongly in 2025 with a steady TRP share.
- TRP Data:
- Week 16: 10.0% relative share
- Rolling Average (May–June): 10.5%
Founded by journalist Rajat Sharma, India TV gained popularity through programs like Aap Ki Adalat, which remain iconic in Indian television history. While the channel has incorporated more sensational elements in recent years to keep pace with competitors, it still retains a reputation for delivering straightforward news with less drama than some rivals.
6. Zee News: Old Player, New Challenges
Once a dominant player, Zee News now finds itself in the sixth position in 2025.
- TRP Data:
- Week 16: 9.4% relative share
- Rolling Average (May–June): 9.9%
Zee News has faced challenges in retaining younger audiences who increasingly prefer digital platforms or newer television entrants like TV9 Bharatvarsh. However, it still enjoys a loyal base among older viewers and in certain regions where Zee’s network reach is strong.
7. Times Now Navbharat: Urban-Centric Growth
The Hindi counterpart of the English news channel Times Now, Times Now Navbharat ranks seventh in 2025.
- TRP Data:
- Week 16: 8.0% relative share
- Rolling Average (May–June): 9.2%
Times Now Navbharat focuses heavily on urban and semi-urban audiences, with programming that often mirrors its English counterpart’s debate-heavy style. While it has grown steadily, it has yet to break into the top five because rural audiences still dominate Hindi news viewership, favoring channels like News18 India and Aaj Tak.
8. ABP News: The Former Giant
ABP News, earlier known as Star News, was once a leader in the Hindi news market but has slipped to the eighth position in 2025.
- TRP Data:
- Week 16: 6.4% relative share
- Rolling Average (May–June): 6.8%
Despite a legacy of credible journalism, ABP News has struggled to adapt to the high-decibel style of modern TV news. Its relatively sober approach appeals to a niche audience but hasn’t translated into higher TRPs.
9. Good News Today: Niche but Noticeable
The rebranded Good News Today focuses on positive and solution-oriented journalism rather than sensationalism.
- TRP Data:
- Week 16: 5.0% relative share
- Rolling Average (May–June): 4.0%
While its TRPs are modest compared to aggressive competitors, Good News Today has carved out a small but loyal audience looking for constructive news rather than constant conflict.
10. News Nation: Holding On to the Top 10
Rounding off the list is News Nation, with moderate TRP ratings.
- TRP Data:
- Week 16: 4.8% relative share
- Rolling Average (May–June): 5.7%
The channel caters mainly to tier-2 and tier-3 audiences but has yet to make significant investments in programming or digital integration, which has limited its growth.
Key Trends Observed in 2025
- High Competition Among Top 3:
News18 India, Aaj Tak, and TV9 Bharatvarsh dominate the space, collectively controlling over one-third of total viewership. - Rise of Debate-Driven Channels:
Republic Bharat and Times Now Navbharat show that high-energy debates continue to attract audiences despite criticism. - Digital Integration:
Channels with strong digital presence, like Aaj Tak and News18 India, enjoy cross-platform advantages. - Regional + National Mix:
Channels offering both regional and national coverage gain higher TRPs, especially in rural India.
