Mumbai: Times Now is claiming supremacy in the English news channel category during budget week with a 34.3 per cent viewership share (Source: BARC| 10L+| NCCS AB 22+| Wk.30 2024) and an impressive 12,48,000 reach (Source: BARC| 10L+| NCCS AB 22+| Wk.30 2024).
A press release issued by it states that its budget coverage “stood out for its extensive and comprehensive programming, featuring detailed infographics highlighting key economic indicators, sector-wise expectations, and significant announcements.”
The channel has also stated that it was “No 1 on budget day, dominating the genre with a 33.7 per cent viewership share (Source: BARC| 10L+| NCCS AB 22+| 23 July 2024).”
Times Now has further claimed that it became the preferred choice amongst viewers for budget-related news thanks to its seasoned journalists and strategic content. During finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman's speech, it said that it registered a 34 per cent viewership share, “the highest in the genre” (Source: BARC| 10L+| NCCS AB 22+| 23 July 2024, 11 AM – 12 Noon), Real-time graphical analysis of the speech kept viewers informed on the budget's implications, making this the most crucial hour of the day with a reach of 44,000 (Source: BARC| 10L+| NCCS AB 22+| 23 July 2024, 11 AM – 12 Noon).
Times Now's union budget programming featured examinations of the Indian economy and its challenges during pre-budget discussions. Key panel discussions offered crucial insights into the budget, with tax experts Rohinton Sidhwa and Saloni Roy decoding its significance for various sectors, industries, and the middle class.
Former chief economic advisor KV Subramanian provided perspectives on expected reforms, while representatives from industry bodies like CII outlined their demands from the government.
Prominent government personalities, including union minister of commerce and industry Piyush Goyal, minister of petroleum and natural gas Hardeep Singh Puri and minister of railways and information & broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw, along with top departmental secretaries and opposition voices, shared exclusive insights on the budget.
