Explore the top 10 media houses in India, known for their vast reach, diverse content, and influential presence in the media landscape. This detailed article covers their history, key achievements, and current operations.
The Indian media industry is one of the largest in the world, playing a crucial role in shaping public opinion and delivering news and entertainment to millions. This article delves into the top 10 media houses in India, highlighting their unique attributes, historical significance, and impact on the media landscape.
Table of Contents
1. Times Group (Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd.)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1838 |
| Headquarters | Mumbai, Maharashtra |
| Publications | The Times of India, The Economic Times, Navbharat Times, Maharashtra Times, Femina, Filmfare |
| Magazines | Femina, Filmfare, Grazia, Hello, GoodHomes, Home Trends |
| Broadcasting | Times Now, Zoom, ET Now, Mirror Now, Movies Now, Romedy Now, MN+, MNX |
| Digital Presence | Times Internet, TimesofIndia.com, EconomicTimes.com, Gaana, Cricbuzz, MagicBricks |
| Other Ventures | Times Pro (education), Times Music, Times Mobile Ltd, Times Response |
| Notable Achievements | Leading newspaper circulation in India, early adopter of digital transformation in media |
| Key People | Vineet Jain (Managing Director), Samir Jain (Vice-Chairman) |
| Awards & Recognition | Multiple awards for journalism, digital innovation, and business excellence |
Also Read :Top 10 FoodTech Startups in India
Founded in 1838, the Times Group is the largest media conglomerate in India. It operates the widely-read daily newspaper, The Times of India.
Key Points
- Publications: Times of India, Economic Times, Navbharat Times.
- Broadcasting: Times Now, Zoom, ET Now.
- Digital Presence: Times Internet offers a range of digital products and services.
Achievements
- Leading circulation for its publications.
- Pioneering digital transformation in Indian media.
2. Network18 Media & Investments Limited
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Parent Company | Reliance Industries |
| Founded | 1996 |
| Headquarters | Mumbai, Maharashtra |
| News Channels | CNN-News18, CNBC-TV18, News18 India, CNBC Awaaz, CNBC Bajar, CNBC Prime HD |
| Entertainment Channels | Colors, MTV India, Nickelodeon India, Colors Infinity, Colors Kannada, Colors Marathi |
| Digital Presence | Moneycontrol, Firstpost, News18.com, BookMyShow, Voot, CricketNext, In.com |
| Other Ventures | HomeShop18, Forbes India, Network18 Publishing |
| Notable Achievements | Strong presence in both news and entertainment sectors, significant digital integration |
| Key People | Adil Zainulbhai (Chairman), Rahul Joshi (CEO) |
| Awards & Recognition | Multiple awards for news reporting, digital content, and business achievements |
Also Read :Top 10 PropTech Startups in India
Network18, part of Reliance Industries, is a prominent media conglomerate with a diverse portfolio.
Key Points
- News Channels: CNN-News18, CNBC-TV18, News18 India.
- Entertainment Channels: Colors, MTV India, Nickelodeon India.
- Digital Presence: Moneycontrol, Firstpost, News18.com.
Achievements
- Strong presence in both news and entertainment sectors.
- Successful integration of digital and traditional media.
3. Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1992 |
| Headquarters | Mumbai, Maharashtra |
| Channels | Zee TV, Zee News, Zee Cinema, Zee Marathi, Zee Bangla, Zee Kannada, Zee Telugu, &TV |
| Digital Platforms | ZEE5, Zee Music Company, DittoTV |
| International Reach | Broadcasts in over 173 countries, with significant presence in South Asia, USA, and Europe |
| Other Ventures | Zee Studios (film production), Zee Live (events), Zee Learn (education) |
| Notable Achievements | Pioneered satellite television in India, extensive content library and international expansion |
| Key People | Punit Goenka (Managing Director & CEO), Subhash Chandra (Founder) |
| Awards & Recognition | Numerous awards for entertainment content, business excellence, and innovative programming |
Also Read :Top 10 RetailTech Startups in India
Founded by Subhash Chandra in 1992, Zee Entertainment is a major player in the Indian media industry, known for its extensive network of television channels.
Key Points
- Channels: Zee TV, Zee News, Zee Cinema.
- Digital Platforms: ZEE5, Zee Music Company.
- International Reach: Broadcasts in over 173 countries.
Achievements
- Pioneered satellite television in India.
- Extensive content library and international expansion.
4. Star India (Disney Star)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Parent Company | The Walt Disney Company |
| Founded | 1991 |
| Headquarters | Mumbai, Maharashtra |
| Channels | Star Plus, Star Bharat, Star Sports, Star Gold, Star Jalsha, Star Pravah, Star Vijay, Star Utsav |
| Streaming Service | Disney+ Hotstar |
| Regional Channels | Star Suvarna, Star Maa, Star World, Asianet |
| Other Ventures | Star Studios (film production), Star India Pvt Ltd (distribution) |
| Notable Achievements | Dominant position in sports broadcasting, successful launch and growth of Disney+ Hotstar |
| Key People | K. Madhavan (Country Manager & President) |
| Awards & Recognition | Numerous awards for sports broadcasting, entertainment content, and digital services |
Also Read :Top 10 GovTech Startups in India
Star India, now part of The Walt Disney Company, is a leading media and entertainment company with a wide array of channels.
Key Points
- Channels: Star Plus, Star Bharat, Star Sports.
- Streaming Service: Disney+ Hotstar.
- Regional Channels: Star Jalsha, Star Pravah.
Achievements
- Dominant position in sports broadcasting.
- Successful launch and growth of Disney+ Hotstar.
5. The Hindu Group
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1878 |
| Headquarters | Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
| Publications | The Hindu, Business Line, Frontline, Sportstar |
| Magazines | Sportstar |
| Digital Presence | The Hindu e-paper, The Hindu website, mobile apps |
| Editorial Reputation | Known for in-depth analysis, editorial integrity, comprehensive reporting |
| Notable Achievements | Long-standing reputation for credible journalism, strong readership among educated audiences |
| Key People | N. Ram (Chairman), Suresh Nambath (Editor-in-Chief) |
| Awards & Recognition | Multiple awards for journalism, editorial content, and public service reporting |
Also Read :Top 10 LegalTech Startups in India
The Hindu Group, established in 1878, is known for its quality journalism and editorial integrity.
Key Points
- Publications: The Hindu, Business Line, Frontline.
- Digital Presence: The Hindu e-paper, mobile apps.
- Editorial Reputation: Known for in-depth analysis and comprehensive reporting.
Achievements
- Long-standing reputation for credible journalism.
- Strong readership among educated and discerning audiences.
6. India Today Group
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1975 |
| Headquarters | New Delhi |
| Publications | India Today, Business Today, Cosmopolitan India, Reader’s Digest India |
| News Channels | Aaj Tak, India Today TV, Tez |
| Digital Presence | India Today website, mobile apps, DailyO, Lallantop |
| Other Ventures | Thomson Press (printing), Vasant Valley School (education), Aaj Tak Radio (podcasts) |
| Notable Achievements | Widely-read news magazine with strong brand presence, pioneering investigative journalism |
| Key People | Aroon Purie (Founder), Kalli Purie (Vice Chairperson) |
| Awards & Recognition | Numerous awards for journalism, business excellence, and digital innovation |
Also Read :Top 10 InsurTech Startups in India
India Today Group, founded by Vidya Vilas Purie in 1975, is a leading media conglomerate known for its magazine, India Today.
Key Points
- Publications: India Today, Business Today.
- News Channels: Aaj Tak, India Today TV.
- Digital Presence: India Today website, mobile apps.
Achievements
- Widely-read news magazine with a strong brand presence.
- Pioneering investigative journalism and news reporting.
7. HT Media Ltd.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1924 |
| Headquarters | New Delhi |
| Publications | Hindustan Times, Mint, Hindustan |
| Radio Stations | Fever 104 FM, Radio Nasha |
| Digital Presence | Hindustan Times website, Livemint.com, Shine.com |
| Other Ventures | HT Digital Streams (digital media), HT Education (education services), HT Music |
| Notable Achievements | Consistent leadership in print media, expanding presence in digital and radio sectors |
| Key People | Shobhana Bhartia (Chairperson & Editorial Director), Praveen Someshwar (CEO) |
| Awards & Recognition | Multiple awards for journalism, business innovation, and corporate social responsibility |
Also Read :Top 10 CleanTech Startups in India
HT Media Ltd., established in 1924, is a leading media company with a strong presence in print and digital media.
Key Points
- Publications: Hindustan Times, Mint, Hindustan.
- Radio Stations: Fever 104 FM, Radio Nasha.
- Digital Presence: Hindustan Times website, Shine.com.
Achievements
- Consistent leadership in print media.
- Expanding presence in digital and radio sectors.
8. Jagran Prakashan Limited
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1942 |
| Headquarters | Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh |
| Publications | Dainik Jagran, Mid-Day, Inext, Naidunia |
| Radio Stations | Radio City |
| Digital Presence | Jagran.com, Mid-Day website, Naidunia website |
| Other Ventures | Jagran Solutions (marketing), Jagran Engage (outdoor advertising), Jagran Social (CSR) |
| Notable Achievements | Leading Hindi daily with widespread readership, successful diversification into radio and digital media |
| Key People | Mahendra Mohan Gupta (Chairman), Sanjay Gupta (CEO) |
| Awards & Recognition | Numerous awards for journalism, business excellence, and social initiatives |
Also Read :Top 10 Agritech Startups in Indian
Jagran Prakashan, founded in 1942, is known for its flagship Hindi daily, Dainik Jagran.
Key Points
- Publications: Dainik Jagran, Mid-Day, Inext.
- Radio Stations: Radio City.
- Digital Presence: Jagran.com, Mid-Day website.
Achievements
- Leading Hindi daily with widespread readership.
- Successful diversification into radio and digital media.
9. The Indian Express Group
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1932 |
| Headquarters | Mumbai, Maharashtra |
| Publications | The Indian Express, The Financial Express, Loksatta, Jansatta |
| Digital Presence | Indian Express website, Financial Express website, Loksatta website, Jansatta website |
| Special Initiatives | Investigative journalism unit, Express Group Awards |
| Notable Achievements | Strong reputation for fearless journalism, extensive digital transformation efforts |
| Key People | Viveck Goenka (Chairman & Managing Director), Raj Kamal Jha (Chief Editor) |
| Awards & Recognition | Multiple awards for investigative journalism, editorial excellence, and digital innovation |
Also Read :Top 10 Fintech Startups in India
The Indian Express Group, established in 1932, is renowned for its investigative journalism and editorial excellence.
Key Points
- Publications: The Indian Express, The Financial Express, Loksatta.
- Digital Presence: Indian Express website, mobile apps.
- Special Initiatives: The Express Group’s investigative journalism unit.
Achievements
- Strong reputation for fearless journalism.
- Extensive digital transformation efforts.
10. NDTV (New Delhi Television Limited)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1988 |
| Headquarters | New Delhi |
| News Channels | NDTV 24×7, NDTV India, NDTV Profit, NDTV Good Times |
| Digital Presence | NDTV website, NDTV mobile apps, NDTV Gadgets, NDTV Food |
| Reputation | Known for credible and independent news reporting |
| Other Ventures | NDTV Convergence (digital), NDTV Worldwide (content distribution), NDTV Ethnic Retail |
| Notable Achievements | Pioneered 24-hour news broadcasting in India, strong digital presence with a loyal audience base |
| Key People | Prannoy Roy (Executive Co-Chairperson), Radhika Roy (Executive Co-Chairperson), Suparna Singh (CEO) |
| Awards & Recognition | Numerous awards for news reporting, digital media, and public service broadcasting |
Also Read :Top 10 HealthTech Startups in India
NDTV, founded in 1988 by Prannoy Roy and Radhika Roy, is a pioneer in Indian television news.
Key Points
- News Channels: NDTV 24×7, NDTV India, NDTV Profit.
- Digital Presence: NDTV website, NDTV mobile apps.
- Reputation: Known for credible and independent news reporting.
Achievements
- Pioneered 24-hour news broadcasting in India.
- Strong digital presence with a loyal audience base.
These top 10 media houses in India have significantly contributed to the country’s media landscape through their innovation, quality content, and wide reach. They continue to evolve and adapt to the changing media environment, maintaining their relevance and influence.
FAQs on Top 10 Media Houses in India :
Which is the largest media house in India?
The largest media house in India is the Times Group (Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd.).
What are the top 5 media companies in India?
- Times Group (Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd.)
- Network18 Media & Investments Limited
- Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited
- Star India (Disney Star)
- The Hindu Group
Which is the best media stock in India?
The best media stock in India is subjective and can vary based on market conditions and individual investor goals. However, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) has often been considered a strong media stock due to its consistent performance and market presence.
Who owns media houses in India?
- Times Group: Owned by the Sahu Jain family.
- Network18: Owned by Reliance Industries, led by Mukesh Ambani.
- Zee Entertainment: Founded by Subhash Chandra, now part of Essel Group.
- Star India: Owned by The Walt Disney Company.
- The Hindu Group: Owned by the Kasturi & Sons Ltd.
Which is the oldest media house in India?
The oldest media house in India is the Times Group (Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd.), founded in 1838.
What is the 5th largest media company in the world?
The 5th largest media company in the world is often listed as Comcast Corporation, though rankings can vary based on revenue and market value.
Who are the big 5 in media globally?
- Comcast Corporation
- The Walt Disney Company
- AT&T Inc.
- Sony Corporation
- Paramount Global (formerly ViacomCBS)
Which is the richest broadcasting company in India?
The richest broadcasting company in India is Star India (Disney Star), part of The Walt Disney Company, which has substantial resources and revenue.
Who is the largest media owner?
Globally, the largest media owner is often considered to be The Walt Disney Company, due to its extensive portfolio and market reach.
Which is the top 1 share in India?
The top share in India by market capitalization is Reliance Industries Limited (RIL).
What are the top 5 shares in India?
- Reliance Industries Limited (RIL)
- Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
- HDFC Bank
- Infosys Limited
- Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL)
Which is the fastest growing share in India?
The fastest-growing share in India can vary, but as of recent trends, Adani Group companies like Adani Enterprises have shown significant growth.
Who is the current owner of NDTV?
The current owner of NDTV is the Adani Group, led by Gautam Adani, which acquired a controlling stake in the company.
Which media house is owned by Adani?
NDTV (New Delhi Television Limited) is the media house owned by the Adani Group.
Which one is the largest media house in India currently?
The largest media house in India currently is the Times Group (Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd.).
