Indian News Channels - A
User's Guide

chillibreeze writer — Gargi Shastri

Back in the 1980s, there was just one Indian broadcaster – the state-sponsored Doordarshan. TV sets were black and white and English news readers did just that: they merely read the news – very often in clipped British tones because they were trained by BBC staff. Today, a host of news channels fight for attention on your bright LCD TV screen. As for news readers, they’re long dead: a new breed of TV anchors now brings their personality into the news and double up as news readers and journalists!

Modern Indian news can be bewildering to the visitor, sometimes even to the natives. Here’s a quick guide by a former TV news reporter to help you navigate the major English news channels on air today.

Doordarshan (DD) News
DD is the grand old dame of Indian TV news. It was once every Indian’s only source of national
and international news but its viewership in the metros has fallen since the satellite TV revolution of the early nineties. However, it’s still the mouthpiece of the government, so don’t expect any in-house exposés of corrupt ministers. Sports fans might like to tune in to its live cricket matches.

Popular shows: The News (8.30pm).
What’s hot – It’s free.
What’s not – No independent editorial policy.
Weblink – www.ddindia.gov.in

NDTV 24/7
NDTV joined forces with both DD and Rupert Murdoch’s STAR network before striking out on its
own as NDTV 24/7. It was the first channel to introduce western elements such as expert panels, audience polls, exposés, campaigns, and personality driven news. But most importantly, NDTV was the first real voice of the English-speaking urban middle class. A generation of Indians has grown up watching Prannoy Roy –the mild-mannered, bearded psephologist who founded the channel with his wife to make sense of election results.

Popular shows: India Decides @ 9 (9pm on week nights) is good for a news round up.
We The People (8pm, Sunday) is an audience-based show tackling current issues hosted by award-winning journalist Barkha Dutt.
What’s hot - News bulletins are less shrill and sensationalistic than other channels.
What’s not - Some viewers accuse it of having a left-wing bias.
Weblink – www.ndtv.com

Times Now
Brought to you by the same people that publish The Times of India, the channel was part of the new wave of private broadcasters that launched after NDTV 24/7. It’s known for a loud, brash style and often provokes extreme reactions. You either love it or hate it. A lot of this has to do with the channel’s editor-in-chief, Arnab Goswami. His combative style of interviewing and presenting the news is hard to ignore. If you’re a ‘breaking-news’ junkie, Times Now is for you. On the other hand, more delicate viewers will quickly overdose on the constant flashing graphics on screen. What’s more, the channel isn’t shy of telling you what to make of headlines.

Popular shows: Newshour (9pm, Monday-Sunday) is a nightly round-up of the day’s news hosted by Arnab Goswami. Its debates are lively, but can often descend into shouting matches between the anchor and guests.
What’s hot – One of the best channels for breaking news. Some will love its high-energy, interactive style.
What’s not – Some find it loud and sensationalistic.
Weblink – www.timesnow.tv

CNN IBN
A US/Indian partnership brings you a channel closely modeled on CNN, with a distinct Indian flavor. Fronted by ex-NDTV anchor Rajdeep Sardesai, it has a good mix of regular news reports along with some offbeat formats including a citizen journalist show and even a spoof news show.

Popular shows: Devil’s Advocate (8.30pm, Sunday). Veteran journalist Karan Thapar grills politicians, actors, and other public figures but he often doesn’t let guests have their say.
Face The Nation (Monday - Thursday, 10 pm). Host Sagarika Ghose interviews experts and viewers on a host of current topics. But be warned: the host often dominates her guests.
What’s hot – Not as loud and aggressive as Times Now. Its user-friendly website is the best for a global audience, giving a quick lowdown on India’s political scene.
What’s not – A cluttered style with too much happening on screen.
Weblink – www.ibnlive.in.com

Headlines Today
Part of the India Today group, this channel has a youthful feel and a relatively young team of anchors. It also has a ‘hard sell’ when it comes to presenting news – dramatic background music accompanies reports and crime reenactments are common.

Popular shows: Grand Stand (8.30 pm, Monday - Friday). This entertainment show is hosted by quirky anchor Mandira. Watch it for her unique and distinctly odd presenting style as much as for entertainment gossip and news.
What’s hot – Good entertainment and sports programmes.
What’s not – Backing music, graphics and excessive gimmicks give a sensational tone to news reports.
Weblink – www.headlinestoday.in

News X
The newest kid on the block, News X was created by the INX Network and was recently bought by Indi Media. Visually, it’s a refreshing change from its rivals because of a relatively clean look – you won’t be straining your eyes while looking at a busy screen. The channel’s yellow and black color scheme also differentiates it from competitors. In keeping with this tone, the news is also presented in a laid back manner.

Popular shows: India Inc (6.30pm, Sunday) - a business slot that showcases local entrepreneurs and their success.
What’s hot – The style and tone is calm and not as ‘shouty’ as its rivals.
What’s not – Although a calm tone is a blessing in this age of shrill reportage, News X could work harder at presenting its news more dynamically. The present delivery sometimes falls flat.
Weblink - www.newsx.com

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Chillibreeze's disclaimer: This is a contributed article and was published on Chillibreeze in June, 2010. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the views of Chillibreeze as a company. Chillibreeze has a strict anti-plagiarism policy. Please contact us to report any copyright issues related to this article. The relevance of the facts and figures cited (if any) could change after a period of time.

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—About our writer:

Gargi Shastri is an experienced broadcast journalist and freelance writer. She has worked with national broadcasters - Times Now and Radio Indigo and also has extensive experience in web and print writing. Gargi has an MA in International Broadcast Journalism. Her areas of expertise include development journalism, travel writing and content management; she regularly writes news reports, interviews, features and case studies. A regular contributor to the Deccan Herald, she is based in Bangalore.

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Indian News Channels - A User's Guide

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Indian News Channels - A
User's Guide