CNBC TV18 – Bias and Credibility

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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 CNBC TV18 as Right-Center Biased due to consistently favorable coverage of the Modi government, limited critical analysis in political reporting, and ownership ties to Reliance Industries.  We rate its reporting as Mixed for factual accuracy due to one-sided reporting, particularly in political coverage, where critical viewpoints are often absent, and government narratives go unchallenged.

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History  

CNBC TV18 is an Indian English-language business and financial news television channel launched on December 7, 1999. It operates as a joint venture between NBCUniversal and Network18 Group, headquartered in Mumbai, India. The channel was the first dedicated business news channel in India.   

Read our profile on India’s Media and Government.

Funded by / Ownership

CNBC TV18 is owned by Network18 Group, a subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), one of India’s largest conglomerates. Reliance is controlled by Mukesh Ambani, one of the country’s most influential businessmen and its wealthiest individual. RIL acquired a controlling stake in Network18 in 2014 through a complex financial transaction involving the Independent Media Trust, making RIL the parent company of Network18. NBCUniversal holds a minority stake in the joint venture. The channel’s ownership structure ties it to significant corporate interests, and while it is a commercial entity, specific details about its funding sources and financial disclosures are not publicly detailed. 

Analysis / Bias

CNBC TV18 primarily focuses on business and financial news, providing coverage of stock markets, economic policies, and corporate developments. The outlet generally maintains professional journalistic standards and features expert commentary. However, it frequently displays a favorable editorial tone and minimal critical scrutiny in its coverage of political and national security issues, particularly those involving PM Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

For instance, in the article “Decoding PM Modi’s law of distraction,” CNBC TV18 frames the Prime Minister’s public events during a military buildup as a calculated strategy to mislead Pakistan. The story describes Indian anger in emotionally loaded terms (“Indians, whose blood was boiling”), and it praises Modi’s timing without attributing the strategy to any official military or intelligence source. The narrative is presented as fact despite a lack of independent verification or opposing analysis.

Another example is the “Boycott Turkey” campaign, which emphasizes nationalist sentiment on social media due to India-Pakistan tensions. The article echoes the tone of online campaigns without critically examining the broader diplomatic context or economic implications. It presents anti-Turkey sentiment as a logical extension of national loyalty, once again lacking balance or alternative perspectives.

In contrast to its political coverage, CNBC TV18’s financial reporting is typically detailed and data-driven. For example, in its article on Godrej Industries’ Q4 results, the outlet accurately summarizes earnings figures, margin improvements, and revenue changes, offering concise updates relevant to investors. CNBC TV18 consistently provides extensive coverage of company earnings, stock markets, and economic indicators. However, its financial content often overlaps with sister channels like CNBC Awaaz and may reflect similar editorial perspectives.

Typically, CNBC TV18’s political coverage aligns with pro-government narratives, offering limited dissenting voices or investigative depth when reporting on sensitive state actions or foreign policy. This pattern, combined with its corporate ownership by Reliance Industries, which has close ties to the Modi government.  

Failed Fact Checks

• None in the Last 5 years

Overall, we rate CNBC TV18 as Right-Center Biased due to consistently favorable coverage of the Modi government, limited critical analysis in political reporting, and ownership ties to Reliance Industries.  We rate its reporting as Mixed for factual accuracy due to one-sided reporting, particularly in political coverage, where critical viewpoints are often absent, and government narratives go unchallenged. (M. Huitsing 05/15/2025)

Source: https://www.cnbctv18.com/

Last Updated on May 15, 2025 by Media Bias Fact Check

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Left vs. Right Bias: How we rate the bias of media sources