Lists of television channels in India

Introduction

India's television industry is one of the largest and most diverse in the world. With more than 900 registered channels, the landscape caters to a multilingual, multicultural audience that spans the length and breadth of the country. From news to entertainment, devotional to educational content, Indian television is a reflection of the nation’s diversity. For advertisers, content creators, and media analysts, a detailed understanding of this complex ecosystem is essential.

Classification by Genre

Indian TV channels can be classified into various genres, including News, Entertainment, Sports, Movies, Music, Devotional, Kids, Educational, and Lifestyle. Each genre serves a distinct audience and exists in multiple languages, ensuring wide reach and engagement.

News Channels in India

News is one of the most consumed genres in Indian television. Hindi news channels dominate the national landscape with popular names such as Aaj Tak, Zee News, News18 India, and DD News. These channels provide a mix of breaking news, debates, and special reports, primarily targeting the Hindi-speaking belt.

English news channels cater to urban and English-literate audiences. Channels like NDTV 24x7, Times Now, CNN-News18, and DD India provide both national and international coverage, appealing to professionals and global-minded viewers.

Regional language news channels form the backbone of localized news delivery. Tamil viewers often watch Puthiya Thalaimurai and Sun News, while Telugu audiences prefer TV9 Telugu and Sakshi TV. Bengali-speaking regions are served by ABP Ananda and Zee 24 Ghanta, while Marathi viewers turn to ABP Majha and Saam TV. Similar offerings exist in Malayalam, Kannada, Urdu, Assamese, and more.

Entertainment Channels

General Entertainment Channels (GECs) form the heart of Indian TV content. Hindi GECs such as Star Plus, Colors, Zee TV, and Sony TV air serials, reality shows, and family dramas, attracting large prime-time audiences.

Regional entertainment is equally popular. In Tamil, viewers watch Sun TV and Star Vijay. Telugu audiences enjoy ETV Telugu and Star Maa. Bengali viewers prefer Star Jalsha and Zee Bangla. Malayalam and Kannada entertainment channels like Asianet, Surya TV, Colors Kannada, and Zee Kannada are also widely watched.

Sports Channels

India's sports broadcasting is led by Star Sports, which offers multilingual coverage of cricket, football, and kabaddi. Sony Sports Network features a range of international events, including WWE, UEFA football, and the Olympics. DD Sports, a government-owned channel, provides free access to select national and international matches.

Movie Channels

Movie channels are immensely popular in India, with Hindi-language options such as Sony Max, Star Gold, Zee Cinema, and &pictures leading the way. These channels air Bollywood blockbusters, dubbed films, and made-for-TV premieres.

Regional movie channels are tailored for local audiences. For instance, KTV (Tamil), Gemini Movies (Telugu), Zee Bangla Cinema, and Colors Kannada Cinema feature films in regional languages, enhancing viewer relatability and engagement.

Music Channels

Music channels have transitioned significantly, with a mix of Hindi and regional music content. MTV India and 9XM are popular among younger viewers, while Mastiii provides a blend of retro and contemporary Bollywood hits. Regional music channels like Raj Music in Tamil or Sangeet Bangla cater to state-specific musical tastes.

Devotional Channels

Spiritual content is an important part of Indian television. Channels like Aastha TV and Sanskar TV serve Hindu viewers with live prayers, discourses, and religious programming. Peace TV Urdu targets Islamic audiences, while Shalom TV caters to the Christian community in Kerala. Sikh viewers often tune into Punjabi-language devotional content such as Sikh Channel and Akaal Channel.

Kids Channels

Children’s programming is vibrant and diverse. Pogo, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, Hungama TV, Disney Channel, and Sony Yay are among the most popular kids channels. These channels offer cartoons, educational shows, and dubbed international content, often localized in Hindi, Tamil, or Telugu for better comprehension and enjoyment.

Educational and Infotainment Channels

The Indian government has launched several educational initiatives like DD Gyandarshan and Swayam Prabha to provide school and college-level content. Channels like National Geographic and Discovery Channel offer infotainment, covering science, history, wildlife, and human interest stories. These are favored by audiences seeking knowledge-driven content.

Lifestyle Channels

Lifestyle television includes content on food, fashion, travel, and wellness. Channels like Living Foodz, Fox Life, TLC, and NDTV Good Times showcase shows on global cuisines, health trends, interior design, and personal grooming, targeting urban and semi-urban viewers with disposable income and aspirational tastes.

Ownership Breakdown

Television channels in India are either publicly or privately owned. Public broadcasting is led by Doordarshan, which has multiple national and regional channels. On the private side, major players include Star India (a part of Disney), Zee Entertainment, Sony Network, Viacom18, Sun TV Network, and Network18. Each of these broadcasters operates a large bouquet of channels across genres and languages.

Platform Availability

Most Indian channels are available on DTH (Direct-to-Home) services, cable TV, IPTV platforms like JioTV and Airtel Xstream, and OTT apps. OTT platforms such as Disney+ Hotstar, Zee5, SonyLIV, SunNXT, and JioCinema now simulcast live TV, blurring the lines between traditional and digital viewing. High-definition (HD) and 4K versions of popular channels are gaining popularity, especially in urban areas.

Major Broadcasting Networks in India

Star India operates Star Plus, Star Gold, Star Sports, and regional channels like Star Jalsha. Zee Entertainment runs Zee TV, Zee Cinema, Zee Marathi, and Zee Bangla. Sun TV Network is strong in the south with Sun TV, KTV, and Surya TV. Viacom18 controls Colors, MTV, Nickelodeon, and Voot. Network18 manages CNN-News18, CNBC-TV18, and the News18 regional network. Sony Entertainment Network runs Sony TV, SAB TV, Sony Sports, and more.

Regional and Niche Channels

Beyond major languages, India also hosts niche and regional channels in Bhojpuri, Odia, Assamese, Konkani, and Kashmiri. Channels like Big Ganga (Bhojpuri), Rang TV (Assamese), OTV (Odia), and DD Kashir (Kashmiri) serve specific communities and play a vital role in cultural preservation and regional advertising.

Trends and Insights for 2024–2025

The rise of OTT platforms has deeply impacted TV consumption habits. Channels are increasingly simulcast online, enabling real-time access across devices. Regional content is booming, with local language channels attracting more advertisers than ever before. High-definition content is in demand, and niche targeting is becoming a powerful strategy for media planners. Meanwhile, analog services have nearly disappeared from urban centers, making way for full digital access.

Hindi Television Channels (All Genres, Comma-Separated)

Star Plus, Sony Entertainment Television, Zee TV, Colors TV, Dangal, DD National, DD News, DD India, DD Bharati, DD Kisan, Aaj Tak, ABP News, India TV, News18 India, Zee News, NDTV India, Republic Bharat, TV9 Bharatvarsh, Bharat24, Sudarshan News, News Nation, News24, India News, Times Now Navbharat, Samay, Tez, Zee Hindustan, Sadhna Plus, Sanskar TV, Aastha TV, MH One Shraddha, Ishwar TV, Satsang TV, Big Magic, Sony SAB, &TV, Enterr10, The Q India, Shemaroo TV, B4U Kadak, B4U Movies, Zee Anmol, Star Utsav, Colors Rishtey, Zee Bollywood, Zee Classic, Zee Action, Sony Max, Sony Max 2, Star Gold, Star Gold 2, Star Gold Thrills, UTV Movies, UTV Action, Filmy, Zee Anmol Cinema, Zee Cinema, Zee Cinema HD, Zee Biskope, Zee Ganga, Bhojpuri Cinema, Manoranjan Grand, Manoranjan TV, Surya Cinema, Dhinchak, Dhinchak 2, Enterr10 Movies, Enterr10 Rangeela, Discovery Channel Hindi, National Geographic Hindi, History TV18 Hindi, Animal Planet Hindi, Epic TV, News18 Uttar Pradesh/Uttarakhand, News18 Madhya Pradesh/Chhattisgarh, News18 Rajasthan, News18 Bihar/Jharkhand, Sadhna News, Khabrain Abhi Tak, Total TV, India Voice, Jan TV, Loksabha TV (Hindi feed), Rajya Sabha TV (Hindi feed), Disney Channel (Hindi feed), Cartoon Network (Hindi feed), Pogo (Hindi), Hungama TV, Nickelodeon Hindi, Sony Yay!, Discovery Kids Hindi, Zee Salaam, Zee Hindustan, News State, Bharat Express, News 1 India, Kashish News, OK India, FM News, Jantantra TV, Swadesh News, Sudarshan News, Channel WIN, Kaatyayani, Sansad TV Hindi.

Tamil Television Channels (All Genres, Comma-Separated)

Sun TV, Vijay TV, Zee Tamil, Kalaignar TV, Raj TV, Jaya TV, Captain TV, Makkal TV, Vasanth TV, Polimer TV, Puthuyugam TV, Puthiya Thalaimurai, News18 Tamil Nadu, Thanthi TV, Kalaignar Seithigal, Sathiyam TV, Sun News, Jaya Plus, Raj News Tamil, Mega TV, Moon TV, Angel TV, Nambikkai TV, Subhavaartha TV Tamil, Shalom TV Tamil, Imayam TV, Good News TV, Sai TV, Madha TV, MK Tunes, Murasu TV, Isaiaruvi, Sirippoli, Adithya TV, Chutti TV, KTV, Star Vijay Super, Star Vijay Takkar, Zee Thirai, Colors Tamil, Colors Tamil HD, Sony Yay! (Tamil feed), Discovery Tamil, National Geographic Tamil, History TV18 Tamil, Cartoon Network Tamil, Pogo Tamil, D Tamil, Mega 24, Raj Digital Plus, Win TV, News J, Tamilan TV, Velicham TV, Tamizhaga TV, Seithigal TV.

Telugu Television Channels (All Genres, Comma-Separated)

ETV Telugu, Gemini TV, Star Maa, Zee Telugu, ETV Plus, ETV Cinema, ETV Abhiruchi, ETV Life, Gemini Movies, Gemini Music, Gemini Comedy, Maa Movies, Maa Gold, Zee Cinemalu, Kushi TV, Subhavaartha TV, Bhakthi TV, Aradana TV, T News, TV9 Telugu, ABN Andhra Jyothi, Sakshi TV, NTV, V6 News, HMTV, 10TV, Studio N News, CVR News Telugu, TV5 Telugu, Bharat Today, Raj News Telugu, Vissa TV, Mana TV, DD Saptagiri, SVBC TV, SVBC 2, Prime9 News, Velugu TV, iNews, Tollywood TV, Hindu Dharmam TV, News18 Telugu, ETV Andhra Pradesh, ETV Telangana, Kushi TV, CVR Spiritual OM.

Kannada Television Channels (All Genres, Comma-Separated)

Udaya TV, Colors Kannada, Zee Kannada, Star Suvarna, Udaya Movies, Udaya Comedy, Udaya Music, Colors Super, Star Suvarna Plus, Kasthuri TV, TV9 Kannada, Suvarna News, News First Kannada, News18 Kannada, Public TV, BTV News, Raj News Kannada, Dighvijaya News, Janasri News, TV5 Kannada, DD Chandana, SVBC Kannada, Sri Sankara Kannada, Chintu TV, Siri Kannada, Ayush TV, Sri Sankara TV, Prajaa TV, Power TV, NewsX Kannada, Digvijaya News.

Malayalam Television Channels (All Genres, Comma-Separated)

Asianet, Surya TV, Mazhavil Manorama, Flowers TV, Amrita TV, Kairali TV, Jaihind TV, Janam TV, Kaumudy TV, Asianet Plus, Surya Movies, Surya Comedy, Kairali WE, Kairali People, Zee Keralam, Asianet Movies, Asianet News, Manorama News, Mathrubhumi News, Media One TV, Twenty Four News, News18 Kerala, DD Malayalam, Safari TV, Shalom TV, Powervision TV, Goodness TV, Harvest TV Malayalam, Darshana TV, Jeevan TV, Raj News Malayalam, Kochu TV, Kappa TV, ACV, God’s TV Malayalam.

Bengali Television Channels (All Genres, Comma-Separated)

Zee Bangla, Star Jalsha, Colors Bangla, Sun Bangla, Aakash Aath, Ruposhi Bangla, Jalsha Movies, Zee Bangla Cinema, Sony Aath, Dhoom Music, CTVN AKD Plus, R Plus, Kolkata TV, ABP Ananda, News18 Bangla, Calcutta News, News Time Bangla, Channel 10, Sangeet Bangla, DD Bangla, Tara Muzik, Tara Newz, Khobor 365 Din, Bangla Bharat, Mahua Bangla, ATN Bangla India, Enterr10 Bangla, Republic Bangla, Mohua TV, Aamar Cinema, Bangla Talkies.

Marathi Television Channels (All Genres, Comma-Separated)

Zee Marathi, Star Pravah, Colors Marathi, Sony Marathi, Zee Yuva, Fakt Marathi, 9X Jhakaas, ABP Majha, Saam TV, TV9 Marathi, Jai Maharashtra, News18 Lokmat, Lokshahi News, DD Sahyadri, Sun Marathi, Shivdhara TV, Enterr10 Marathi, Prabhat TV, Sanskar Marathi, Shubhsandesh TV, Sangeet Marathi, Maiboli, Shemaroo MarathiBana, Fakt Marathi Cinema.

Gujarati Television Channels (All Genres, Comma-Separated)

TV9 Gujarati, Sandesh News, ABP Asmita, VTV Gujarati, News18 Gujarati, GSTV, DD Girnar, Colors Gujarati, Colors Gujarati Cinema, Zee 24 Kalak, India News Gujarat, CNBC Bajar, Aastha Gujarati, Satsang TV Gujarati, Faith TV Gujarati.

Punjabi Television Channels (All Genres, Comma-Separated)

PTC Punjabi, PTC Chakde, PTC News, Zee Punjabi, MH One, MH One News, 9X Tashan, DD Punjabi, Chardikla Time TV, India News Punjab, News18 Punjab Haryana Himachal, Living India News, Ajj Tak Punjabi, ABP Sanjha, BBC Punjabi, Global Punjab TV.

Odia Television Channels (All Genres, Comma-Separated)

Tarang TV, Zee Sarthak, Colors Odia, Kalinga TV, Kanak News, News18 Odia, Prameya News7, OTV, MBC TV, Naxatra News, Odisha TV, DD Odia, Alankar TV, Tarang Music, Prarthana TV, Sidharth TV, Sidharth Gold, Sidharth Bhakti, Argus TV.

Assamese Television Channels (All Genres, Comma-Separated)

News Live, Prag News, DY365, Rengoni TV, Rang TV, Jonack TV, Ramdhenu TV, North East Live, News18 Assam/Northeast, Assam Talks, Pratidin Time, News Time Assam, DD North East, NE Doordarshan, BTV News Assam.

Urdu Television Channels (All Genres, Comma-Separated)

ETV Urdu, Zee Salaam, DD Urdu, Munsif TV, Channel Win, Paigam TV, Hadi TV, Peace TV Urdu, ARY QTV India feed, News18 Urdu, Sahara Samay Urdu, Falak TV.

Bhojpuri Television Channels (All Genres, Comma-Separated)

Zee Biskope, B4U Bhojpuri, Bhojpuri Cinema, Oscar Movies Bhojpuri, Dabangg TV, Enterr10 Rangeela, Big Ganga, Sangeet Bhojpuri, Dishum TV, Manoranjan Grand, India News UP/UK (Bhojpuri segment), Mahuaa TV, Surya Bhojpuri.

English Television Channels (All Genres, Comma-Separated)

Star World, Colors Infinity, AXN, Comedy Central, Zee Café, &flix, Movies Now, MNX, Romedy Now, HBO India, Star Movies, Sony PIX, Discovery Channel, National Geographic Channel, History TV18, Animal Planet, TLC, CNBC TV18, ET Now, India Today, Times Now, Republic TV, NDTV 24x7, CNN-News18, WION, BBC World News, CNN International, Channel News Asia, Al Jazeera English.

Key Trends & Observations (2024–2025)

OTT Simulcasting Is Now Standard

Nearly all major Indian broadcasters have embraced OTT simulcasting. Channels are streamed live on platforms like Disney+ Hotstar, JioCinema, SonyLIV, Zee5, SunNXT, and Voot, with both free and premium tiers. This convergence of TV and digital is blurring the line between traditional broadcasting and app-based content delivery.

Notable Platforms & Their Networks:

• Disney+ Hotstar – Star India (Star Plus, Star Sports, Star Jalsha, etc.)
• Zee5 – Zee Network (Zee TV, Zee Cinema, Zee Marathi, etc.)
• SonyLIV – Sony Network (SET India, SAB TV, Sony Sports)
• SunNXT – Sun TV Network (Sun TV, KTV, Udaya TV, etc.)
• JioCinema – Viacom18 channels + IPL + Sports properties
• Voot – Viacom18 (Colors, MTV, Nickelodeon)

Regional Language Boom

There is a surge in demand for regional content, driven by increased rural and Tier-2/3 urban penetration. Networks like Sun TV, Zee, and Star India are investing heavily in Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Marathi, Malayalam, and Kannada content. Advertising spends are also increasingly targeted at hyper-local viewership zones, especially through regional news and entertainment channels.

HD and 4K Channel Growth

High-definition (HD) versions are now available for most national and major regional channels. For example:

• Star Plus HD, Zee TV HD, Colors HD (Hindi GECs)
• Star Sports HD network
• Zee Marathi HD, Sun TV HD, Asianet HD, Star Jalsha HD, etc.

Some broadcasters have started trial 4K feeds for marquee events (e.g., cricket matches on JioCinema or Star Sports during IPL and ICC tournaments).

Decline of Analog Cable

India has nearly completed the digital switchover, especially in urban and semi-urban areas. Analog cable TV is now mostly found in a few remote or underdeveloped areas. Most households now rely on DTH or digital cable boxes, boosting better-quality viewing and enabling targeted ads.

Genre Diversification and Audience Segmentation

Indian TV is no longer just about soap operas and news. There’s rising consumption of:

• Mythology and historical fiction (e.g., on Dangal, Star Bharat)
• Devotional content (Aastha TV, Sanskar, SVBC)
• Niche infotainment (Epic TV, Discovery, History TV18)
• Lifestyle & Food (TLC, Living Foodz)
• Kids & animation dubbed in multiple languages

Rise of Micro Language and Niche Channels

Beyond the top 10 languages, channels in Assamese, Odia, Bhojpuri, Urdu, Kashmiri, Konkani, Manipuri, and Santhali are gaining localized viewership. This offers untapped potential for regional advertisers and digital-first platforms aiming for linguistic inclusion.

Consolidation of Network Groups

The Indian TV landscape is dominated by a few powerful networks:

• Star India (Disney): Star Plus, Star Gold, Star Sports, Star Jalsha, Star Maa, Star Vijay, Star Suvarna, etc.
• Zee Entertainment Enterprises: Zee TV, Zee Cinema, Zee Bangla, Zee Marathi, Zee Telugu, Zee Tamil, Zee Punjabi, etc.
• Sony Pictures Networks India: Sony Entertainment Television (SET), SAB TV, Sony Max, Sony PIX, Sony Yay!, Sony Sports Ten channels.
• Viacom18: Colors, Colors Infinity, Colors Marathi, Colors Tamil, MTV, MTV Beats, Voot, Nickelodeon, Sports18.
• Sun TV Network: Sun TV, Surya TV, Gemini TV, Udaya TV, KTV, Adithya TV, Sun Music, Sun News.
• Network18 (Reliance): News18 channels in 13+ languages, CNBC-TV18, CNN-News18, History TV18, Colors through Viacom18 joint venture.

Government Broadcasting Continues Steady Reach

• Doordarshan (Prasar Bharati) operates:
• DD National, DD News, DD India
• 11+ regional DD channels (e.g., DD Bangla, DD Sahyadri, DD Podhigai)
• DD Sports, DD Kisan, DD Urdu

Though viewership is niche, DD channels retain relevance for rural, educational, and government programming.

📝 Conclusion

India's television landscape in 2024–2025 is more vibrant, diverse, and dynamic than ever before. With hundreds of channels across genres, languages, and regions, the Indian TV ecosystem reflects the country's rich cultural fabric and digital transformation. From national broadcasters to niche regional players, every channel plays a role in shaping viewer preferences, influencing buying decisions, and building community narratives.

The rise of OTT platforms, HD and 4K broadcasts, and hyper-targeted content means that traditional broadcasting is no longer just about linear TV it's about multi-platform presence and audience-first programming. With regional content growing at an unprecedented pace, brands and agencies have a golden opportunity to craft localized media strategies that resonate deeply with specific linguistic and cultural groups.

For advertisers, policymakers, and content creators, the Indian TV channel list isn’t just a media map, it’s a gateway to over 1.4 billion diverse viewers waiting to be engaged in their own language, culture, and genre of choice.