Operation Sindoor, the recent decisive action by the Indian armed forces, has not only dominated headlines but has also driven television news viewership to an all-time high. A staggering 507 million viewers tuned into news channels during the week of May 3rd to 9th, 2025, according to the latest data. This unprecedented number marks the highest weekly reach for news in recent history, demonstrating the nation’s intense focus on the unfolding events.
The military operation, which saw the Indian forces target terror launch pads, captivated the country, leading to dramatic increases in news consumption. During the critical three days from May 7th to 9th, the news genre accounted for 16% of total TV viewership, a remarkable surge from its usual 6%. This highlights the public’s reliance on television for real-time updates and in-depth coverage during significant national events.
Hindi news channels, in particular, witnessed record-breaking engagement. They achieved their highest ever Gross Rating Points (GRPs) at 254 during this period. This figure surpasses the viewership seen during other major events, including the 2024 Lok Sabha election results (235 GRPs) and the 2022 state election results (211 GRPs).
Furthermore, the average time spent (ATS) watching Hindi news soared to 60 minutes, an impressive 67% increase compared to the weeks preceding the Pahalgam terror attack. Daily tune-ins to Hindi news channels nearly doubled, jumping from 73 million to a remarkable 142 million viewers during the peak of Operation Sindoor coverage.
The impact of official briefings by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) was also significant, drawing massive audiences and causing notable spikes in viewership.
In an indication of the operation’s widespread national interest, approximately 65 million individuals who had not watched Hindi news in the preceding month tuned in during the week of Operation Sindoor. This influx of new viewers underscores the operation’s broad national impact and the crucial role of television news in keeping the public informed.
Key Highlights:
- Operation Sindoor drove record TV news viewership, with 507 million viewers tuning in.
- 65 million new viewers who hadn’t watched Hindi news in the past month joined the viewership.
- Hindi news channels achieved their highest ever GRPs at 254, surpassing viewership of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
- The news genre peaked at 16% of total TV viewership during the operation.