RIGHT-CENTER BIAS
These media sources are slightly to moderately conservative in bias. They often publish factual information that utilizes loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by appeals to emotion or stereotypes) to favor conservative causes. These sources are generally trustworthy for information but may require further investigation. See all Right-Center sources.
- Overall, we rate Aaj Tak as Right-Center biased due to its consistent pro-government framing, particularly in national political coverage. We rate its reporting as Mixed for factual accuracy due to sensational language, limited critical context, and failed fact checks.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: RIGHT-CENTER (3.6)
Factual Reporting: MIXED (5.0)
Country: India
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MODERATE FREEDOM
Media Type: TV Station
Traffic/Popularity: High Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: MEDIUM CREDIBILITY
History
Aaj Tak is a Hindi-language television news channel and digital platform launched in 2000 by TV Today Network Ltd., a part of the India Today Group, which also owns India Today magazine. Headquartered in Noida, it is one of India’s most prominent and widely watched Hindi news channels, offering national, international, and regional coverage with a focus on politics, government affairs, entertainment, and current events. The digital platform AajTak extends the network’s reach online, providing articles, videos, and live streams. The channel is a News Broadcasters and Digital Association (NBDA) member and maintains a formal grievance mechanism in line with India’s 2021 IT Rules.
Read our profile on India’s Media and Government.
Funded by / Ownership
Aaj Tak is operated by TV Today Network, a subsidiary of the India Today Group, which is privately owned and published by Living Media India Limited. Revenue is generated through advertising and subscriptions. The company is also a member of the Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) and is actively challenging digital media regulations introduced under the Modi government in both the Madras and Kerala High Courts. These challenges focus on defending editorial independence from state overreach.
Analysis / Bias
Editorially, Aaj Tak mirrors its parent company’s Right-Center bias, particularly in national political coverage. News segments and articles often portray the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a favorable light, with limited space given to critical viewpoints. For example, the summary of Modi’s speech following “Operation Sindoor” used nationalistic language and omitted opposition reactions. This approach to coverage mirrors the broader media environment at the time: during heightened India-Pakistan tensions, the government ordered over 8,000 account blocks and imposed restrictions on media outlets critical of its military decisions and crisis reporting. Similarly, its coverage of Chief Justice BR Gavai was straightforward but lacked in-depth legal or social analysis.
While Aaj Tak’s tone and framing tend to favor the Modi government, its parent company’s legal opposition to digital media restrictions indicates support for press freedom at the institutional level. In January 2025, TV Today Network announced plans to shut down its radio business (Ishq 104.8 FM) due to sustained financial losses and market pressures.
Failed Fact Checks
- “A chemical blast took place inside Gowliguda Gol mosque in Afzalganj police station area, Hyderabad.” – False
- They have also made several corrections.
Overall, we rate Aaj Tak as Right-Center biased due to its consistent pro-government framing, particularly in national political coverage. We rate its reporting as Mixed for factual accuracy due to sensational language, limited critical context, and failed fact checks. (M. Huitsing 05/15/2025)
Source: https://www.aajtak.in/
Last Updated on May 15, 2025 by Media Bias Fact Check
Do you appreciate our work? Please consider one of the following ways to sustain us.
or
Left vs. Right Bias: How we rate the bias of media sources