India boasts a prominent presence in the global media landscape, with top-tier media companies operating around the clock. These companies cover various industries, such as news, entertainment, athletics and politics, to keep the public informed and entertained. As the media industry in India continues to expand, it has not only made a substantial impact on the country’s economy but has also left its mark on the real estate market.
With the constant growth of the media sector in India, there is a growing demand for commercial spaces and residential plots to accommodate the ever-expanding workforce dedicated to this industry. In this article, we list the top media companies in India and explore their influence on the country’s business landscape and the evolving real estate scenario.
See also: Top newspaper companies in Mumbai
Business landscape in India
India’s business landscape is constantly evolving and diverse, shaped by significant economic and social changes. This dynamic environment hosts thriving high-tech sectors such as telecommunications, information technology, pharmaceuticals, textiles, engineering and agriculture. Notably, businesses of varying scales, from large multinational corporations to medium-sized enterprises and small home-based startups, collectively contribute to the vibrancy of India’s multifaceted business milieu.
Top media companies in India
Zee News
Company type: Media
Location: Sector 16-A, Noida – 201301
Founding date: 1992
Zee News is one of India’s leading 24-hour Hindi news network, renowned for its extensive nationwide presence. Operating across 12 languages, Zee News provides round-the-clock news coverage from Monday to Saturday and 18 hours on Sundays. Founded by Subhash Chandra on May 26, 1992, and subsequently acquired by the Essel Group, Zee News consistently maintains its top-ranking position in India’s news channel ratings. The channel is celebrated for its exceptional programming and content quality and has received numerous accolades, including a prestigious presidential award for the best Hindi news channel.
ABP News
Company type: Media
Location: Moti Bagh, South West Delhi – 110021
Founding date: 2003
ABP News, short for Ananda Bazar Patrika’s news, stands as India’s preeminent private news network in terms of viewership. Launched on October 27, 2003, with corporate headquarters in Noida, ABP News offers digital content, entertainment and news in multiple languages. Owned and operated by the ABP Group, it originally commenced as a free-to-air television station in 1998 under the name STAR News before being acquired by ABP Group. The ABP Network also oversees ABP Live, a platform for English news. The channel’s enduring success can be attributed to its articulate and precise news presentation by a cadre of seasoned anchors.
AajTak
Company type: Media
Location: Nagour, Rajasthan – 341503
Founding date: 2000
AajTak, ranking among the top 10 media companies in India, is a distinguished Hindi-language news channel under the aegis of the TV Today Network. Headquartered in New Delhi, this channel was one of the pioneers in Hindi news broadcasting in India. AajTak has garnered a substantial following and is recognized as one of the most subscribed Indian news channels on YouTube. Operating five international websites, including AajTak International Broadcast Network, with a focus on Asia and AajTak USA, it aligns its nomenclature with its global counterparts.
India Today
Company type: Media
Location: Sector 16-A, Noida – 201301
Founding date: 1975
India Today is a distinguished news publishing company steadfast in its mission to deliver impartial and factual information. Since its inception in 1975, it has consistently provided India with top-tier news, insightful perspectives, sports coverage and entertainment content. India Today’s Hindi news channel has established itself as a market leader, offering enriching content through television channels, websites, magazines and apps. The media conglomerate also boasts a diverse portfolio of seven magazines, ensuring comprehensive coverage of politics, business, sports and entertainment. India Today’s influence extends to several prominent entertainment channels in India.
NDTV India
Company type: Media
Location: Dwarka Sec-6, South West Delhi – 110075
Founding date: 1988
NDTV India was introduced in 1988. The network’s journey commenced with content production for the acclaimed news and current affairs program ‘The World This Week’ on Doordarshan in 1988, earning it recognition as a credible news source. Subsequently, NDTV became the primary content provider for Star News, the nation’s premier 24-hour news channel, and further expanded by launching two of its own 24-hour news channels, NDTV 24×7 in English and NDTV India in Hindi, both inaugurated on April 15, 2003.
CNN-News 18
Company type: Media
Location: Sector 16-A, Noida – 201301
Founding date: 2005
Established on November 21, 2005, CNN-News 18 is a prominent media house in India, co-founded by Raghav Bahl in collaboration with CNN, the American news organisation. With its extensive network of broadcast and cable channels, it provides comprehensive coverage of both local and international news. In May 2014, Reliance Industries acquired Network18, marking a significant development in the Indian media sector. Originally aimed at India’s urban elite, CNN-News 18 expanded its reach by establishing CNN-IBN in partnership with Time Warner and Global Broadcast News in 2005.
India TV
Company type: Media
Location: Sector 16-A, Noida – 201301
Founding date: 2003
India TV, launched in 2003, is a Hindi news channel catering to audiences in India and Hindi-speaking regions. Headquartered in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, it operates bureaus across key regions of India. Founded by Rajat Sharma, it evolved from the Independent News Service (INS) established in 1997. India TV’s broadcast centre is situated in Sector 85 of Noida, Uttar Pradesh. Rajat Sharma, renowned for hosting ‘Janata Ki Adalat’ on Star News and ‘Aap Ki Adalat’ on Zee News, celebrated the 30th anniversary of the latter in 2023, making it India’s longest-running television program.
BBC World News
Company type: Media
Location: K G Marg, Delhi – 110001
Founding date: 1995
BBC World News is a globally recognised news channel offering coverage in English, Hindi and other languages. It is among the top 10 media companies in India for international news, alongside CNN and CNBC. Headquartered in London, the network relies on a worldwide team of correspondents for comprehensive global coverage. Launched on October 22, 1995, as Global Television Service, it delivers round-the-clock broadcasts, live shows, breaking news and analysis programs. Since 2007, it has broadcast a US edition, making it one of the few international networks available to cable viewers in the US.
Times Now
Company type: Media
Location: Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel – 400013
Founding date: 2006
Times Now is a 24-hour English news channel in India, known for being the first Indian TV channel with an online presence and an HD version. Its headquarters are based in Mumbai, Maharashtra, with bureaus in major global cities such as New York City, Washington, D.C., London and Paris, providing extensive coverage of national and international news events. Times Now is the sole Indian channel to have won an International Emmy Award in 2010. It features daily appearances by media professionals, politicians and thought leaders and provides live coverage of breaking news events in India and globally.
DD News
Company type: Media
Location: Copernicus Marg, New Delhi -110001
Founding date: 2003
Established in 2003, DD News is a prominent news media house in India offering news coverage in multiple languages, including Hindi, English, Sanskrit and Urdu. It operates within the larger Doordarshan network alongside sister channels such as DD Sports, DD Bharti, DD National and DD India. The mobile app for DD News was released by Arun Jaitley on May 7, 2015, for both Apple and Android users. Recognised as one of the most profitable media companies in India, DD News originally aired in English and introduced the nation’s first 24×7 terrestrial TV news program in Hindi.
Commercial real estate demand in India
Office Space
Media companies in India are significantly increasing the demand for office spaces. These firms require offices to accommodate various teams, including editorial, creative, technical, sales and marketing. Recent trends show a preference for large-scale office campuses that centralise their operations. This surge in demand from media companies is having a substantial impact on India’s commercial real estate market.
Rental Property
The influx of media companies has provided a substantial boost to the rental property market in India. Property owners are benefiting from a consistent demand for commercial spaces, resulting in competitive rental rates and increased property values. Media companies often opt for premium rental spaces in prime locations, prioritising accessibility for their workforce and clients.
Impact
The growing demand for commercial real estate from media companies is leaving a significant mark on India’s real estate landscape. Developers are increasingly focusing on mixed-use developments that combine residential, commercial and retail spaces. This trend caters to the needs of media professionals and residents, creating vibrant, self-sustaining neighbourhoods. Mixed-use developments offer several advantages to media companies, providing employees with convenient access to housing, shopping and amenities, enhancing morale and productivity.
Impact of media companies on India
Media companies in India have significantly influenced the local real estate landscape and driven demand in multiple ways. Leveraging their extensive reach and communication channels, these firms have raised awareness about new real estate developments, disseminating information through news articles, advertisements and social media platforms. Moreover, they have highlighted the advantages of real estate investment, including the potential for long-term capital appreciation, rental income streams and tax benefits, thus rendering the sector more enticing to potential buyers and investors. Additionally, media companies have served as valuable sources of market insights, offering data on pricing trends and government policies enabling individuals to make well-informed property decisions. Beyond this, they have facilitated connections between buyers and sellers by providing user-friendly platforms for property listings and searches, streamlining real estate transactions.
FAQs
Who oversees the media in India?
The Press Council of India serves as a mechanism for self-regulation within the media industry, ensuring that the Indian press operates with both freedom and responsibility.
How many media outlets exist in India?
India boasts a diverse media landscape with over 500 satellite channels, including more than 80 dedicated to news, along with an impressive 70,000 newspapers. It stands as the world's largest newspaper market, with over 100 million copies sold each day.
What is the size of the media industry in India?
Driven by the rapid expansion of OTT (Over-The-Top) platforms, India's entertainment and media industry is projected to reach Rs 6,828,944 crore (approximately $73.6 billion) by 2027, exhibiting a robust compound annual growth rate of 9.48%.
What is the biggest media company in India?
Zee News stands out as one of the top media houses in India. It is a prominent 24-hour Hindi network with widespread coverage across the nation.
Is pursuing a career in media a viable option in India?
India's rich and diverse culture, coupled with its extensive history, makes it an excellent environment for individuals aspiring to work in the field of journalism. There are numerous career opportunities for journalists in India, catering to various interests and skills. Typically, aspiring journalists need to acquire a bachelor's degree in journalism.
What is the typical salary range for media professionals in India?
The average salary for journalists in India typically falls within the range of Rs 3.06 lakh per annum (LPA) to Rs 5 LPA. However, journalists with substantial experience, spanning approximately five to six years, may earn an average salary ranging from Rs 6 LPA to 8.50 LPA.
Which Indian state has the highest number of media companies?
Maharashtra has the most media companies in India. Additionally, the state boasts numerous regional media companies catering to its diverse population.
Which Indian state is ideal for moving to work in media organisations?
Maharashtra is the top choice for relocating to work in media companies, with Delhi, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal also being good options. These states host numerous national, regional and international media firms, providing ample job opportunities for media professionals.
Which media companies are among the top five in India?
The top five media companies in India are Zee, ABP, Aaj Tak, India Today and NDTV. They cover various content categories, such as news, entertainment and education.
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