Mumbai: CNBC Awaaz is a prominent Indian business news channel that primarily broadcasts in the Hindi language. It is a subsidiary of CNBC, which is known for its comprehensive coverage of business, finance, and economic news.
CNBC Awaaz focuses on delivering business and financial news in a format that is accessible to Hindi-speaking audiences in India. The channel provides real-time updates on the stock market, business developments, economic trends, and investment insights. It features discussions, interviews with industry experts, and analysis of market conditions to help viewers make informed decisions regarding their finances and investments.
The channel also covers a wide range of topics, including entrepreneurship, personal finance, and consumer-related issues. CNBC Awaaz's programming is designed to cater to both seasoned investors and individuals looking to enhance their financial literacy. CNBC Awaaz plays a vital role in keeping viewers informed about the ever-evolving world of business, finance, and economics.
Anuj Singhal, the managing editor of CNBC-Awaaz, reflected on the journey of being a pioneer in the Hindi business news segment 18 years ago and discussed the opportunities as well as challenges in the genre today.
In the early days, CNBC was one of the few serious players in the field, with English channels like NDTV Profit attempting to enter the market. The decision to launch CNBC-Awaaz, a Hindi business channel, was based on the belief that Hindi was a growing and potentially significant market. While English was the primary language for business, the management seemed to foresee the increasing domestic investment in the market. What started as a hopeful endeavour has now become a major trend.
In terms of expansion into regional languages, CNBC-Awaaz has already established a foothold in the Gujarati language. Singhal mentioned that business news in vernacular languages will likely evolve over time, and regions like Kerala could represent a significant market. However, the decision to launch a channel in a new language would be made at the network level, considering the market's size and potential.
When asked about what sets CNBC-Awaaz apart as the biggest player in the market, he highlighted the network's strong reach and leverage as part of India's top news network. “CNBC-Awaaz benefits from the research and management interviews conducted by CNBC TV18. Moreover, CNBC-Awaaz's consistent leadership in the field and its legacy have contributed to its continued success.”
Singhal also stated that CNBC-Awaaz has a Hindi-specific strategy and a top-tier Hindi team. “Our team excels in covering policies and is among the first to report breaking news. While they may pick up some reports from CNBC TV18, they produce substantial original content, particularly related to markets.”
Regarding the influx of new investors and influencers during the COVID-19 pandemic, Anuj emphasized the importance of accuracy over speed. “CNBC-Awaaz prioritizes verification and ensures that all of the channel’s investment advisors are SEBI-licensed. This adds a level of accountability and trust for viewers,” he added.
He also noted that Mumbai is the biggest market for CNBC-Awaaz, which also includes suburban regions of the city. The channel serves traders in various parts of the city, and its viewership extends to the southern regions where Hindi business news is consumed.
Singhal highlighted the importance of the channel's role, which includes providing feedback on industry responses to policies, which may influence government decisions.
In conclusion, Anuj Singhal's reflections on CNBC-Awaaz's remarkable journey in the Hindi business news segment over the past 18 years underscore the network's pivotal role in shaping and catering to the evolving needs of India's diverse and dynamic business landscape. With a growing interest in regional languages and the potential for further expansion, CNBC-Awaaz is poised to continue its journey of informing, educating, and influencing the business community in India. Its role in providing valuable insights and facilitating policy discussions underscores its importance as a trusted source of information and a key influencer in the realm of business news in the country.
