TL;DR: Times of India is center-right (subtle pro-establishment, corporate-friendly). NDTV is left-center (critical of government, emphasizes accountability). Republic TV is far-right (openly pro-BJP, nationalist propaganda). When covering the same story, these three outlets can present almost entirely different realities. Understanding their biases helps you become a smarter news consumer.
When it comes to political bias in Indian media, three outlets consistently represent different positions on the spectrum: The Times of India (TOI), NDTV, and Republic TV.
Each caters to different audience segments and carries distinct editorial leanings. This comprehensive comparison examines how these outlets were positioned in 2025—and how the same story looks radically different depending on which one you read.
Quick Comparison Table
| Factor | Times of India | NDTV | Republic TV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Political Lean | Center-Right | Left-Center | Far Right |
| Relationship to Power | Subtly supportive | Critical, watchdog | Openly supportive |
| Tone | Corporate, moderate | Professional, liberal | Aggressive, nationalist |
| Government Coverage | Favorable with occasional criticism | Frequently critical | Almost always favorable |
| Opposition Coverage | Generally neutral | Gives platform | Aggressively hostile |
| Trust Ranking | High (Reuters survey) | Highest in 2025 | Lower among moderates |
| Factual Rating | Mixed (MBFC) | Mostly Factual | Mixed to Low |
Times of India: The Corporate Centrist
Overview
The Times of India is India's largest English daily by circulation, reaching millions of readers daily. It's owned by the Bennett Coleman & Company Ltd (BCCL), one of India's largest media conglomerates.
Political Leaning: Center-Right
Media watchdogs rate TOI as "Right-Center Biased" due to story selection that often favors the ruling party's agenda. However, unlike Republic TV, this bias is subtle rather than overt.
How TOI's Bias Manifests
Pro-establishment tendencies: - Government achievements get prominent placement and favorable framing - Critical stories about the ruling party often relegated to inside pages - Headlines use softer language when covering government missteps - Economic coverage tends toward pro-growth, pro-business narrative
Why this happens: 1. Government advertising dependency: Bloomberg reports India's government spent $640 million on advertisements. Newspapers that depend on this revenue have incentive to stay friendly. 2. Corporate ownership interests: BCCL has business interests that benefit from stable government relations 3. Mainstream audience appeal: TOI targets middle-class readers who tend toward moderate-conservative views
Example: How TOI Covers Controversial Topics
When covering a government policy criticism:
Republic TV might say: "Anti-nationals spreading lies about transformative policy"
NDTV might say: "Critics raise concerns about policy's impact on marginalized communities"
TOI might say: "Policy faces some criticism; government defends implementation"
Notice how TOI acknowledges criticism exists but leads with a neutral frame that doesn't challenge the government aggressively.
Trust & Credibility
Despite bias concerns, Reuters Institute surveys consistently rank TOI among India's most trusted news brands. This is likely because: - Its tone is not extreme - It includes diverse op-eds occasionally - Brand recognition from decades of publication - It avoids the naked partisanship of outlets like Republic
However, Media Bias/Fact Check rates TOI's factual reporting as "Mixed" due to: - Instances of "paid news" (advertising disguised as journalism) - Failure to aggressively fact-check government claims - Sensational headlines that don't match article content
NDTV: The Liberal Watchdog
Overview
New Delhi Television (NDTV) was founded in 1988 and became India's first 24/7 news channel. In 2022, the Adani Group (seen as close to the government) acquired a controlling stake, raising concerns about editorial independence.
Political Leaning: Left-Center
NDTV has long been known for its centre-left, liberal leaning in the Indian context. Remarkably, even after the Adani acquisition, NDTV's editorial stance remained notably independent.
How NDTV's Bias Manifests
Liberal-progressive tendencies: - Emphasis on government accountability and institutional integrity - Significant coverage of minority rights, press freedom, civil liberties - Skeptical tone toward official claims and government statistics - Platform for opposition voices and civil society critics - Focus on stories the government would rather downplay
Why this happens: 1. Founding ethos: NDTV was built on questioning authority 2. Journalist culture: Attracts reporters who value investigative work 3. Audience expectations: Viewers tune in expecting critical analysis 4. International standards: Attempts to match BBC/CNN-style journalism
The Adani Acquisition: Did It Change NDTV?
When Adani took over in 2022, many predicted NDTV would become a government mouthpiece. Instead, NDTV "largely maintained its editorial character" of scrutinizing the government.
Some observers note a slightly softer approach post-acquisition—fewer overtly confrontational moments—but the fundamental editorial direction remains critical of power.
Example: How NDTV Covers Controversial Topics
When covering a communal incident:
Republic TV might say: "Shocking violence by [minority community], where is the outrage?"
TOI might say: "Communal tension erupts in [location], police deployed"
NDTV might say: "Communal violence claims lives; questions raised about police response and hate speech that preceded incident"
NDTV is more likely to: - Provide historical context - Question official narratives - Include voices of affected minorities - Examine structural causes
Trust & Credibility
In 2025, NDTV was ranked as the most popular TV news channel in India according to the Reuters Institute. This shows a sizable audience trusts it despite (or because of) its critical stance.
NDTV maintains professional journalistic standards: - Clear separation of news and opinion - Corrections when errors occur - Multiple sources cited - Transparent about limitations
Republic TV: The Nationalist Megaphone
Overview
Republic TV was launched in 2017 by Arnab Goswami, formerly of Times Now. It quickly became India's most-watched English news channel by embracing aggressive, nationalist programming.
Political Leaning: Far Right
Republic TV is "unapologetically supportive of the ruling BJP", with an editorial approach that makes no pretense of neutrality. Media analysts describe it as: - "Strongly right-leaning, pro-government" - "Known for nationalist framing of most stories" - "Relentless criticism of opposition figures"
How Republic TV's Bias Manifests
Propaganda characteristics: - Primetime debates function as ruling party communication - Opposition leaders portrayed as corrupt, anti-national, or incompetent - Government policies defended regardless of outcomes - Nationalist/patriotic framing of almost every story - Conspiracy theories about "anti-India forces"
Signature techniques: - "Nation Wants to Know": Catchphrase that implies Republic speaks for all Indians - Shouting down guests: Panelists who disagree are interrupted and attacked - Selective outrage: Scandals involving opposition get weeks of coverage; government scandals get minutes or excuses - Emotional manipulation: Fear, anger, and pride are primary tools
Arnab Goswami's Style
Goswami's anchoring style is central to Republic's brand: - Loud, aggressive questioning of opposition guests - Softball questions to government representatives - Theatrical outrage that frames every story as existential - Personal attacks on journalists and outlets that criticize him
This style attracts viewers who want their existing beliefs confirmed with righteous anger.
Example: How Republic Covers Controversial Topics
When covering the same communal incident:
NDTV: "Communal violence claims lives; questions raised about police response"
TOI: "Communal tension erupts; police deployed"
Republic TV: "SHOCKING: [Opposition party] MLA's link to violence EXPOSED | Where is Rahul Gandhi's outrage? | NATION WANTS TO KNOW"
Notice how Republic: - Assigns blame to opposition even without evidence - Uses ALL CAPS and sensational language - Demands response from opposition leaders - Frames it as a political attack rather than a tragedy
Controversies & Credibility Issues
Republic TV has faced serious credibility challenges:
- TRP Manipulation Scam (2020): Mumbai Police alleged Republic manipulated Television Rating Points
- Regulatory sanctions: Multiple NBDSA warnings for inflammatory content
- Factual errors: Frequent failure to verify claims before broadcasting
- Defamation cases: Lawsuits from individuals and organizations
Despite this, Republic commands significant viewership among viewers who want pro-government, nationalist content.
Case Study: Same Story, Three Realities
Let's examine how these three outlets might cover a hypothetical (but realistic) story:
The Story:
A major infrastructure project is inaugurated by the Prime Minister. Critics point out it's over budget, displaced local communities, and environmental clearances were rushed.
Times of India Version:
Headline: "PM Inaugurates Landmark Infrastructure Project Worth ₹50,000 Crore"
Coverage: Leads with inauguration ceremony, PM quotes about development. Mentions cost overruns in paragraph 8. Briefly quotes an opposition leader's criticism. Environmental concerns get one line near the end.
Tone: Positive overall, criticism acknowledged but minimized.
NDTV Version:
Headline: "PM Inaugurates Mega Project Amid Questions Over Costs and Displacement"
Coverage: Reports inauguration but gives equal weight to controversies. Interviews displaced families. Examines environmental clearance process. Includes government defense but scrutinizes claims.
Tone: Skeptical, focuses on accountability questions.
Republic TV Version:
Headline: "HISTORIC: PM Delivers Development Masterstroke | Opposition's SHAMEFUL Politics of Obstruction EXPOSED"
Coverage: Celebratory coverage of inauguration. Attacks opposition for "criticizing everything." Dismisses cost concerns as "fake news." No mention of displacement. Environmental groups called "foreign-funded anti-nationals."
Tone: Triumphant propaganda, criticism delegitimized.
How to Use This Knowledge
Understanding these biases doesn't mean avoiding these outlets—it means consuming them strategically:
If you only read Times of India:
You'll get a mainstream, moderate view that underplays government failures and doesn't challenge power aggressively. You might miss important critical perspectives.
If you only watch NDTV:
You'll get thorough government criticism but might miss the government's perspective on why policies were enacted. Opposition failures may be underemphasized.
If you only watch Republic TV:
You'll get one-sided propaganda that demonizes opposition and never questions the ruling party. Your understanding of reality will be severely distorted.
The Solution: Read All Three (and more)
The healthiest approach: 1. Use TOI for mainstream baseline coverage 2. Use NDTV for critical analysis and accountability journalism 3. Use Republic to understand how pro-government media frames issues (not for facts) 4. Use international sources (Reuters, BBC) for outside perspective 5. Use The Balanced News to see all perspectives compared side-by-side
Conclusion: No Outlet is Unbiased
The comparison reveals an uncomfortable truth: no major Indian news outlet is truly unbiased.
- Times of India pretends neutrality while subtly favoring power
- NDTV genuinely attempts balance but leans liberal
- Republic TV doesn't even pretend—it's open propaganda
The solution isn't finding a "neutral" source. It's becoming a sophisticated consumer who: - Recognizes each outlet's bias - Reads multiple perspectives - Checks facts independently - Forms opinions based on evidence, not emotion
As 2025 showed, truth in Indian media usually lies somewhere between what NDTV criticizes and what Republic celebrates. Find it by reading both—and everything in between.
Want to see how these outlets cover today's news differently? Try The Balanced News - we show you left, right, and center perspectives on every major story with AI-powered bias detection.
Sources & Citations
- The Balanced News - Political Bias in Indian Media 2025
- Media Bias/Fact Check - Times of India Rating
- Reuters Institute - NDTV Most Popular News Source in India
- Hindustan Times - TV Channels Penalized for Hate Content
- TOI - Reuters Survey on Trust
- The Wire - Media Bias Analysis
