MUMBAI: BBC World was the most watched international news channel during India's recent general elections, according to Tam Peoplemeter data.

During the four-week campaign, BBC World reached a total of 15 million viewers, three times the figure achieved by its nearest rival CNN. Each of BBC World's viewers spent an average of 50 per cent longer tuned into the channels comprehensive and extended coverage of the poll, compared to those who were watching CNN, according to a press release.

The research also claims that about 1.5 million people in India watched BBC World's election programming on 13 May, the day on which the results were announced. The channel also managed to attracted 94 per cent of the overall viewing to the two channels that day.

BBC World's balanced perspective on the domestic and global implications of the nationwide poll resulted in a six per cent increase in reach, and a 20 per cent rise in the time spent watching the channel, among Sec group A. BBC World's reach and viewing time came in ahead of CNN in all Secs across India, the release claims.

BBC World India research manager Dezma de Melo was quoted as saying, "These are fantastic results. The growth in viewership is a result of BBC World's live reporting, regular hourly news updates and special analysis on programmes including Asia Today, Asia Business Report and Question Time India. The Indian news industry is highly competitive today and BBC World's success is a reflection of our credibility and the demand from viewers in India for a global perspective."