Awaaz races ahead as India''s fastest growing channel

Mumbai: According to TAM's TRP ratings for television channels for the week ended Mar.20-27, Awaaz, TV18 Group's recent Hindi launch has overtaken NDTV Profit and Zee Business in channel shares. Launched in January 2005, Awaaz describes itself as a consumer oriented channel, and says that the latest ratings are in continuation of a leadership trend that has started since Budget day.

With a reading of 0.20, Awaaz edges out NDTV Profit at 0.15 and Zee Business at 0.06, in the business news section, while CNBC TV18 as a network, with a reading of 39, pushes NDTV 24x7 at 38 points, to the second place as far as English news is concerned.

Commenting on the development, B Saikumar, Vice President, Marketing and Sales, said, "With the Awaaz's leadership, TV18 as a network has consolidated its position as India's number one business and consumer network.

"Also, strong economic growth and changing aspirations has led to business becoming a mainstream category of broadcasting, bigger than English news. This has led to CNBC TV18's continuous lead over English news channels."

According to the channel, some of the popular shows on air on Awaaz, that have given Awaaz the lead over other Hindi channels, are Smart Shopping that informs viewers about the options available in the marketplace, in the form of products and services, as well as tips on how to get the best bargain. Another programme, Kaise Kamayen Kaise Bachayen, a programme on money management, offers useful tips on maximizing returns, among others.

According to the channel, Awaaz broadly focuses on personal finance and markets, providing guidance on careers and education and also provides other consumer based programmes, which help audiences to make intelligent choices.