Mumbai: Aaj Tak, India's most trusted Hindi news channel, commemorates the successful completion of one year of its ground-breaking show, 'Black & White.' This milestone is a cause for celebration, as the show captivated audiences with its compelling coverage of crucial incidents and pressing social issues, solidifying its position as the destination for impactful journalism.
Hosted by Sudhir Chaudhary, 'Black & White' has disrupted the prime time slot, becoming the preferred choice for viewers at 9 pm. This show has surpassed competition and garnered immense success, reinforcing Sudhir Chaudhary's position as a leading journalist.
The show's exceptional success is evident through its commendable viewership numbers, both on television and YouTube Live. According to the latest data from BARC, 'Black & White' consistently dominated the Hindi-speaking belt with a commendable 90.2 Mn gross AMA (Average Minute Audience), surpassing its competitors including News 18 India, Republic Bharat, and India TV (Source: BARC | HSM | 22-40 AB | 19 July '22 to 07 July '23 | Mon to Fri | 2100-2200 Hrs, Rolled Data). Additionally, the show emerged as the No 1 show in YouTube Live viewership during its time band, with an average of 77 K concurrent users (Source: YT Average Concurrent Users- All Feeds | 19 July 2022 to 12 July 2023 | Mon to Fri | 2100 to 2200 Hrs).
'Black & White' has made significant contributions beyond its ratings and viewership. The show's societal campaign, 'Mera Swabhiman,' has created a profound impact by shedding light on pressing social issues. This corporate social responsibility initiative has resonated with the public, garnering immense support and raising awareness on important matters.
The success of 'Black & White' can be attributed to its unique concept and Chaudhary's exceptional journalism skills. The show's name itself reflects the viewers' choice, as they connect with the distinct black and white theme that Aaj Tak introduced during the show's launch, featuring a black and white piano, zebra crossing, and a chessboard.
Some of the notable highlights and special features of ‘Black and White’ over the last year include the show's analysis of how the declining state of Nainital led to the establishment of a committee by the government to save the city; a report on the risks associated with usage of nonstick and Teflon-coated utensils which prompted many consumers to remove cracked utensils from their kitchens. The revelation of Shahid Afridi's insult towards a senior Indian minister sparked significant discussions in India and Pakistan.
A special series covering topics such as Joshimath, the ban on mobile phones in Kedarnath Dham, and how the Mazar Jihad in Uttarakhand resulted in positive changes as a result. The show also exposed a sinister plan to use online gaming to convert religion. The show further shed light on the life of independence warrior Batukeshwar Dutt and featured an exclusive interview with Shraddha’s father in the Delhi Shraddha murder case.
As 'Black & White' completes its successful first year, Aaj Tak, as part of the India Today Group, reaffirms its commitment to delivering comprehensive news coverage across various domains. With a team of seasoned journalists and state-of-the-art news-gathering infrastructure, Aaj Tak continues to earn the trust of millions of viewers as a reliable source of news.