Asianet News: The Truth Behind Kerala’s #1 Media Powerhouse (2026 Guide)
Rajat Chauhan
Asianet News is the undisputed heavyweight of Malayalam media, commanding 125% higher viewership than its nearest rival and serving as the primary information source for over 20 million monthly unique visitors.
Since pioneering the first private live news bulletin in 1995, it has evolved into a digital giant, recently becoming the first Malayalam channel to earn YouTube’s Diamond Creator Award. But for the discerning viewer—whether in Kochi, Dubai, or Dallas—the real question isn't about size. It is about credibility.
This guide provides a deep-dive analysis of Asianet News' editorial stance, how to watch it live globally, and how it compares to competitors like Manorama Online and Mathrubhumi.
What is Asianet News?
Asianet News is Kerala’s oldest and most widely viewed private news channel, currently operated by Asianxt Digital Technologies.
Unlike state-run media, it functions as a 24-hour comprehensive news platform delivering breaking news, political analysis, and investigative journalism. It is distinct from "Asianet" (the entertainment channel owned by Disney Star); Asianet News is a separate entity focused strictly on journalism.
The Reality of Market Dominance: By The Numbers
According to BARC (Broadcast Audience Research Council) ratings and digital analytics, Asianet's dominance is statistical, not just anecdotal:
- Television: Consistently records viewership double that of the runner-up during primetime.
- YouTube Authority: The first Malayalam news channel to cross 10 million subscribers.
- Global Reach: 37% of their audience is international, specifically catering to the Malayali diaspora in the UAE (13.9%) and USA (5.4%).
Editorial Integrity: Is Asianet News Biased?
Search queries regarding "Asianet News political bias" are common. The channel officially adheres to a "secular and progressive" stance established by founder Sashi Kumar.
However, critics often point to its ownership by Jupiter Capital (linked to Rajeev Chandrasekhar) to allege right-wing bias. The reality, observed through their reporting history, suggests a high degree of "Editorial Courage":
- Criticizing the Right: In 2016, the channel ran investigative pieces on scandals involving BJP-aligned figures, despite ownership pressure.
- Criticizing the Left: In 2023, it faced severe backlash from the ruling CPI(M) government for its aggressive coverage of state cooperative bank frauds.
The Verdict: While no media house is perfectly neutral, Asianet is widely regarded by independent observers as the most balanced option because it draws ire from all political sides.
Asianet News vs. Competitors
Understanding the landscape helps you choose the right app for your phone. Here is how the "Big Three" compare:
| Feature | Asianet News | Manorama Online | Mathrubhumi News |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Breaking Politics & Investigations | Lifestyle, Classifieds, & General Reading | Literary Analysis & Print Legacy |
| Digital Speed | High (Mobile-First Strategy) | Moderate | Moderate |
| Primary Format | Video & Live Debate | Text & Photo Galleries | Long-form Articles |
| Fact-Checking | Dedicated Unit (Since 2019) | Standard Verification | Standard Verification |
Digital Transformation: How to Watch Live
Asianet has pivoted to a "mobile-first" strategy, acknowledging that 92% of their audience accesses content via smartphones.
1. The Mobile App (Best for Expats)
For the diaspora, the Asianet News App (iOS & Android) is essential. It supports eight languages (including Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, and English) and offers region-specific notifications (e.g., setting your location to "UAE" gives you Gulf-specific headlines first).
2. YouTube Live Stream (Best for Free Access)
With over 10 million subscribers, the Asianet News Live YouTube stream is the most reliable way to watch the channel for free without a cable subscription or login.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is Asianet News available outside of India?
A: Yes. It is available globally via the official website, mobile app, and YouTube channel. It is the primary news source for Keralites in the Middle East, the United Kingdom, and the United States, with no geo-blocking restrictions.
Q: Who owns Asianet News?
A: It is owned by Asianxt Digital Technologies (formerly Jupiter Capital). It operates independently from the Asianetentertainment channel (known for Bigg Boss/Serials), which is owned by Disney Star.
Q: Does Asianet News have a fact-checking team?
A: Yes. Established in 2019, Asianet's fact-check wing is one of the few in regional media with a transparent methodology for verifying viral social media claims, specifically those circulating on WhatsApp in Kerala.
Q: How can I watch Asianet News live for free?
A: The easiest way is through the "Asianet News Live" YouTube channel, which broadcasts the TV feed 24/7 without a paywall. Alternatively, the official website streams the channel live on the homepage.
Q: Which is the most popular program on Asianet News?
A: The "News Hour" debate is the flagship primetime program, often setting the political agenda for the next day. Other popular segments include "Munshi" (a long-running social satire) and "Cover Story" (investigative journalism).
Q: Can I send news tips to Asianet News?
A: Yes. Asianet actively solicits "Citizen Journalist" reports. You can submit tips via the "Contact Us" section on their app, or through their WhatsApp numbers often displayed during live news bulletins.
Q: What other languages does Asianet News cover?
A: Beyond Malayalam, the network has expanded into a pan-Indian digital platform covering Kannada (via Suvarna News), Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Bengali, and English.
Q: Is the Asianet News app free?
A: Yes, the app is free to download and use on both iOS and Android. It is ad-supported but does not currently require a paid subscription for reading news or watching the live stream.
Q: Why did Asianet News receive a YouTube Diamond Award?
A: In 2024, they became the first Malayalam news channel to surpass 10 million subscribers, a testament to their massive digital pivot and dominance over traditional print-focused competitors.
Final Verdict
If you need a comprehensive, credible, and technically robust news source for Kerala and South India, Asianet Newsremains the gold standard.
- For the NRI: It is your most reliable link to home.
- For the Political Junkie: It offers the debates and investigations that shape the state's narrative.
- For the Skeptic: Their fact-check mechanism and established editorial accountability offer a safety net that newer digital channels lack.
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