Categories

B. PERSONALITY

B1. Best Anchor – English

To be awarded to an anchor who has demonstrated insight and knowledge of both content and the medium.

B2. Best Anchor – Hindi

To be awarded to an anchor who has demonstrated insight and knowledge of both content and the medium.

B3. Best Anchor – Northern Region – Hindi, Punjabi (Regional)

To be awarded to an anchor from a Northern regional channel who has demonstrated insight and knowledge of both content and the medium.

B4. Best Anchor – Eastern Region – Assamese, Bengali, Odiya (Regional)

To be awarded to an anchor from an Eastern regional channel who has demonstrated insight and knowledge of both content and the medium.

B5. Best Anchor – Western Region – Gujarati, Marathi (Regional)

To be awarded to an anchor from a Western regional channel who has demonstrated insight and knowledge of both content and the medium.

B6. Best Anchor – Southern Region – Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu (Regional)

To be awarded to an anchor from a Southern regional channel who has demonstrated insight and knowledge of both content and the medium.

B7. Best Spot News Reporting – English

To be awarded for a reporter's enterprise on a single news story. Nominations must rely on "on-the- scene" coverage of an unscheduled and unanticipated news story.

B8. Best Spot News Reporting – Hindi

To be awarded for a reporter's enterprise on a single news story. Nominations must rely on "on-the- scene" coverage of an unscheduled and unanticipated news story.

B9. Best Continuing Coverage by a Reporter – English

To be awarded for a reporter's effort demonstrated by continued coverage of a news story over an extended period of time.

B10. Best Continuing Coverage by a Reporter – Hindi

To be awarded for a reporter's effort demonstrated by continued coverage of a news story over an extended period of time

B11. Best Videographer – English

To be awarded to a videographer who has done outstanding work in capturing footage and action. He or she should have produced extraordinary content that may have required both skill and courage.

B12. Best Videographer – Hindi

To be awarded to a videographer who has done outstanding work in capturing footage and action. He or she should have produced extraordinary content that may have required both skill and courage.

B13. Best Video Editor – English

To be awarded for outstanding editing skills and efforts of a video editor to provide a visually enhanced narrative.

B14. Best Video Editor – Hindi

To be awarded for outstanding editing skills and efforts of a video editor to provide a visually enhanced narrative.

B15. Best News Producer – English

To be awarded to a Producer who has done outstanding work in conceptualizing, scripting and directing news stories.

B16. Best News Producer – Hindi

To be awarded to a Producer who has done outstanding work in conceptualizing, scripting and directing news stories.

B17. Most Impactful News Personality – English / Hindi

Awarded to a journalist whose reporting has led to significant real-world change, whether by influencing policies, exposing wrongdoing, or bringing attention to underreported issues. This individual has demonstrated the power of journalism in shaping public opinion, driving action, and holding those in power accountable.

B18. Rising Star in News Broadcasting – English / Hindi

This award recognizes a young and emerging journalist who has shown exceptional promise in the field of news broadcasting. Whether through insightful reporting, engaging storytelling, or a fresh approach to news delivery, this individual is making a notable impact early in their career and is expected to be a key voice in the future of journalism.

B19. Best News Podcast Host – English / Hindi

Honouring a journalist who excels in audio storytelling, this award celebrates a news podcast host who delivers well-researched, engaging, and thought-provoking content. The winner will have demonstrated strong interviewing skills, the ability to break down complex topics, and a compelling narrative style that captivates audiences in the evolving digital news landscape.

B20. Best Entertainment & Lifestyle Journalist – English / Hindi

Recognizing an individual who has made outstanding contributions to entertainment and lifestyle journalism, this award honours a journalist who covers the latest trends, celebrity news, film, music, fashion, or cultural stories with accuracy, depth, and creativity. Their reporting goes beyond sensationalism, offering meaningful insights into the entertainment and lifestyle industries.

B21. Best Political Journalist – English / Hindi

Awarding excellence in political journalism, this category honours a journalist who provides in-depth analysis, investigative reporting, or breaking coverage on political affairs. The winner will have a strong command of political dynamics, the ability to engage audiences, and a track record of delivering accurate, fair, and impactful political news.

B22. Best Business & Finance Journalist – English / Hindi

For an individual who demonstrates expertise in economic and financial reporting, this award recognizes a journalist covering topics such as markets, corporate affairs, government policies, global finance, and consumer trends. The recipient will be known for delivering insightful analysis, breaking important business news, and making complex financial topics accessible to audiences.

B23. Best Investigative Journalist – English / Hindi

This award honours a journalist who goes beyond surface-level reporting to uncover deep, impactful stories that challenge institutions, expose corruption, or bring to light critical social issues. The recipient will be recognized for their dedication to rigorous research, fact-checking, and fearless reporting that leads to meaningful societal change.

B24. Best Field Reporter – English / Hindi

Awarded to a journalist who excels in on-ground news coverage, this category honors an individual who brings live, firsthand accounts of unfolding events, from political rallies to natural disasters, war zones, or major public movements. Their ability to provide accurate, immediate, and compelling coverage from the field makes them an indispensable part of news broadcasting.

B25. Best Independent News Creator on YouTube – English / Hindi

This award honours a YouTube news blogger who consistently delivers credible, engaging, and well- researched news content. The recipient should demonstrate journalistic integrity, storytelling skills, and the ability to present news in an informative yet accessible manner. Whether covering breaking news, investigative reports, or in-depth analysis, this creator plays a significant role in shaping public discourse through digital journalism.

B26. Best Business Channel Anchor – Hindi

To be awarded to an anchor who has demonstrated insight and knowledge of both content and the medium.

B27. Best Business Channel Anchor – English

To be awarded to an anchor who has demonstrated insight and knowledge of both content and the medium.

C. MARKETING

C1. Best Channel or Programme Promo – English

To be awarded to the most creative on-air commercial promoting a news channel, programme or activity.

C2. Best Channel or Programme Promo – Hindi

To be awarded to the most creative on-air commercial promoting a news channel, programme or activity.

C3. Best Show Identity – English

To be awarded to the best show that has built strong recognition through elements such as genre, anchor, tagline, logo, style or promotional campaign.

C4. Best Show Identity – Hindi

To be awarded to the best show that has built strong recognition through elements such as genre, anchor, tagline, logo, style or promotional campaign.

D. DIGITAL MEDIA

D1. Best Digital Media News Channel – English

To be awarded to the best Digital Hindi News channel in India.

D2. Best Digital media News Channel – Hindi

To be awarded to the best Digital English News channel in India.

D3. Best Digital Media News Microsite – English

To be awarded to the best Digital Media News Microsite in India.

D4. Best Digital Media News Microsite – Hindi

To be awarded to the best Digital Media News Microsite in India

D5. Best Current Affairs Programme – English

To be awarded to a show on current affairs and analysis of news events. The show should be of minimum 20 minutes duration (including commercials). It could be in the form of on-the-spot reportage, background reports, interviews and/or panel discussions.

D6. Best Current Affairs Programme – Hindi

To be awarded to a show on current affairs and analysis of news events. The show should be of minimum 20 minutes duration (including commercials). It could be in the form of on-the-spot reportage, background reports, interviews and/or panel discussions.

D7. Best Business Programme – English

To be awarded to a show that has best covered the impact of pandemic on businesses in India and Globally, including in-depth analysis.

D8. Best Business Programme – Hindi

To be awarded to a show that has best covered the impact of pandemic on businesses in India and Globally, including in-depth analysis.

D9. Best Talk Show – English

To be awarded to the best discussion show pertaining to news and current affairs. It can include a one-on-one talk or a public debate.

D10. Best Talk Show – Hindi

To be awarded to the best discussion show pertaining to news and current affairs. It can include a one-on-one talk or a public debate.

D11. Best In-depth Series – English

To be awarded to the best coverage of a single subject. It can be a report/special report, in-depth coverage of a subject, a documentary, a regular program or a series that provides background and understanding of a specific news event.

D12. Best In-depth Series – Hindi

To be awarded to the best coverage of a single subject. It can be a report/special report, in-depth coverage of a subject, a documentary, a regular program or a series that provides background and understanding of a specific news event.

D13. Best News Coverage – English

To be awarded to the best coverage of a major news event in India or outside India.

D14. Best News Coverage – Hindi

To be awarded to the best coverage of a major news event in India or outside India.

D15. Best Anchor – English

To be awarded to an anchor who has demonstrated insight and knowledge of both content and the medium.

D16. Best Anchor – Hindi

To be awarded to an anchor who has demonstrated insight and knowledge of both content and the medium.

D17. Best Marketing Campaign – English

To be awarded to a show or a channel that has used innovative and exceptional approaches for promotions.

D18. Best Marketing Campaign – Hindi

To be awarded to a show or a channel that has used innovative and exceptional approaches for promotions.

D19. Best Use of Technology – English

To be awarded to a show or a channel that has leveraged technology and created seamless experience for viewers.

D20. Best Use of Technology – Hindi

To be awarded to a show or a channel that has leveraged technology and created seamless experience for viewers.

D21. Best Microsite – Regional Channel – Northern Region

To be awarded to the best digital media news microsite created by a Northern regional news channel.

D22. Best Microsite – Regional Channel – Eastern Region

To be awarded to the best digital media news microsite created by an Eastern regional news channel.

D23. Best Microsite – Regional Channel – Western Region

To be awarded to the best digital media news microsite created by a Western regional news channel.

D24. Best Microsite – Regional Channel – Southern Region

To be awarded to the best digital media news microsite created by a Southern regional news channel.

D25. Best Podcast – English

To be awarded to the best news podcast that delivers engaging storytelling, insightful discussions and credible journalism through audio format.

D26. Best Podcast – Hindi

To be awarded to the best news podcast that delivers engaging storytelling, insightful discussions and credible journalism through audio format.

D27. Best Digital Sports News Channel

To be awarded to the digital news channel that delivers the most engaging and comprehensive sports news coverage and analysis for online audiences.

D28. Best Digital Storytelling Show

A news-led programme or series that uses digital first approach to deliver powerful, immersive, and engaging stories. The show should combine strong narrative with digital elements such as video, audio, graphics, animation, interactive features, or social and web-based formats to enhance audience understanding and impact.

E. INTERNATIONAL NEWS

E 1. Best International News Channel – English

To be awarded to the most engaged International News Channel.

E 2. Best International News Channel – Hindi

To be awarded to the most engaged International News Channel.

E 3. Best International Program – English

To be awarded to the most engaged International Program.

E 4. Best International Program – Hindi

To be awarded to the most engaged International Program.

F. OVERALL EXCELLENCE

F1.Young Professional of the Year – Editorial – English

To be awarded to a Journalist under 30 years of age for the best work done during the year either on or off screen.

JUDGING CRITERIA

• Story/program that made a demonstrable difference
• Potential for editorial leadership
• High integrity

F2.Young Professional of the Year – Editorial – Hindi

To be awarded to a Journalist under 30 years of age for the best work done during the year either on or off screen.

JUDGING CRITERIA

• Story/program that made a demonstrable difference
• Potential for editorial leadership
• High integrity

F3. News Channel of the Year – English

To be awarded to the news channel with the best news reporting and programming throughout the year. Nominations may also be invited to present before the jury during the judging day.

JUDGING CRITERIA

• Leadership position defined by profitability/ratings/market share
• Changing the course of the industry
• Consistently produce leaders in all verticals

F4. News Channel of the Year – Hindi

To be awarded to the news channel with the best news reporting and programming throughout the year. Nominations may also be invited to present before the jury during the judging day.

JUDGING CRITERIA

• Leadership position defined by profitability/ratings/market share
• Changing the course of the industry
• Consistently produce leaders in all verticals

F5. News Channel of the Year – Urdu

To be awarded to the news channel that has demonstrated excellence in news reporting, programming throughout the year. Nominations may also be invited to present before the jury during the judging day.

F6. Business News Channel of the Year – English

To be awarded to the Business news channel with the best news reporting and programming throughout the year. Nominations may also be invited to present before the jury during the judging day.

JUDGING CRITERIA

• Leadership position defined by profitability/ratings/market share
• Changing the course of the industry
• Consistently produce leaders in all verticals

F7. Business News Channel of the Year- Hindi

To be awarded to the Business news channel with the best news reporting and programming throughout the year. Nominations may also be invited to present before the jury during the judging day.

JUDGING CRITERIA

• Leadership position defined by profitability/ratings/market share
• Changing the course of the industry
• Consistently produce leaders in all verticals

F8. News Television – News Director / Editor-in-Chief / Managing Editor / News Editor of the Year- English

To be awarded to the editorial head of a news channel who has spearheaded excellence in news programming and has made an enduring difference in improving the television news industry. The person maybe the Editor-in-Chief, News Editor, Managing Editor, News Director, Editor or at a similar level.

JUDGING CRITERIA

• Provided exemplary editorial direction
• Developed talent
• Editorial strategy led to significant gain

F9. News Television – News Director / Editor-in-Chief / Managing Editor / News Editor of the Year- Hindi

To be awarded to the editorial head of a news channel who has spearheaded excellence in news programming and has made an enduring difference in improving the television news industry. The person maybe the Editor-in-Chief, News Editor, Managing Editor, News Director, Editor or at a similar level.

JUDGING CRITERIA

• Provided exemplary editorial direction
• Developed talent
• Editorial strategy led to significant gain

F10. News Television – News Director / Editor-in-Chief / Managing Editor / News Editor of the Year- Northern Region- Hindi/ Punjabi

To be awarded to the editorial head from the Northern Region news broadcasting who has demonstrated leadership in news programming and editorial excellence.

F11. News Television – News Director / Editor-in-Chief / Managing Editor / News Editor of the Year- Eastern Region- Assamese, Bengali, Odiya

To be awarded to the editorial head from the Eastern Region news broadcasting who has led impactful news programming and editorial direction.

F12. News Television – News Director / Editor-in-Chief / Managing Editor / News Editor of the Year- Western Region- Gujarati, Marathi

To be awarded to the editorial head from the Western Region news broadcasting who has demonstrated strong editorial leadership and programming excellence.

F13. News Television – News Director / Editor-in-Chief / Managing Editor / News Editor of the Year- Southern Region- Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu

To be awarded to the editorial head from the Southern Region news broadcasting who has demonstrated leadership in editorial strategy and news programming.

F14. Business News Television – News Director / Editor-in-Chief / Managing Editor / News Editor of the Year- Hindi

To be awarded to the editorial head of a business news channel who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in business news programming and editorial direction.

F15. Business News Television – News Director / Editor-in-Chief / Managing Editor / News Editor of the Year- English

To be awarded to the editorial head of an business news channel who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in business news programming and editorial direction.

G. SPECIAL AWARDS

G1. Special Award for Channel of the Year for Fact-Checking Practice – English

To be awarded to a television or digital video news channel for setting up and managing with excellence a unit for fact-checking that supports regular news bulletins and programmes and/or produces special reports and programmes based on fact-checking.

G2. Special Award for Channel of the Year for Fact-Checking Practice – Hindi

To be awarded to a television or digital video news channel for setting up and managing with excellence a unit for fact-checking that supports regular news bulletins and programmes and/or produces special reports and programmes based on fact-checking.

G3. Best Campaign for Social Cause - English

To be awarded to a news channel for the best campaign highlighting and creating awareness around a significant social cause.

G4. Best Campaign for Social Cause - Hindi

To be awarded to a news channel for the best campaign highlighting and creating awareness around a significant social cause.

G5. Best Campaign for Social Cause - Northern Region- Hindi, Punjabi (Regional)

To be awarded to a Northern Region news channel for the best campaign highlighting and addressing an important social cause.

G6. Best Campaign for Social Cause - Eastern Region – Assamese, Bengali, Odiya (Regional)

To be awarded to an Eastern Region news channel for the best campaign highlighting and addressing an important social cause.

G7. Best Campaign for Social Cause - Western Region - Gujarati, Marathi (Regional)

To be awarded to a Western Region news channel for the best campaign highlighting and addressing an important social cause.

G8. Best Campaign for Social Cause - Southern Region – Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu (Regional)

To be awarded to a Southern Region news channel for the best campaign highlighting and addressing an important social cause.