Aaj Tak was first broadcast on DD Metro of Doordarshan (DD) in 1995 as a news program of 10 to 20 minutes. It became an independent news channel in December 2000, marking the beginning of its 24-hour broadcast. This made it the first complete Hindi news channel in India.
2. Aaj Tak's Notorious Reporting Practices
Aaj Tak has been criticized for promoting disinformation and biased reporting. The channel has been fined multiple times for spreading fake news, including a 1 lakh fine for fabricating last tweets by Sushant Singh Rajput and a 5 lakh fine for viewership manipulation in a TRP scam.
3. Aaj Tak's Handling of COVID-19 Coverage
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Aaj Tak faced criticism for its reporting on the Tablighi Jamaat. The channel was accused of developing hatred against a particular community, leading to NBDSA directing the removal of its broadcasts from all internet platforms that linked the outbreak with Tablighi Jamaat.
4. Aaj Tak's Taglines and Impartiality Issues
Aaj Tak's taglines have also been under scrutiny. In June 2022, the NBDSA asked the channel to take down shows that gave an impression of guilt before trial, specifically regarding Umar Khalid. This highlights ongoing concerns about impartiality in their reporting.
5. Aaj Tak's Social Media Backlash
In March 2023, Aaj Tak faced ridicule on social media after a clip of its coverage went viral. The channel's representatives were seen filming gangster Atiq Ahmed urinating while in transit from Gujarat to Prayagraj under police custody.
6. Recent Controversies and Fines
In March 2024, The News Broadcasters & Digital Association (NBDSA) fined Aaj Tak for Sudhir Chaudhary's 'tukde tukde' and 'Khalistani' remarks against former US President Barack Obama and penalized the channel over 'Love Jihad' shows.
7. Aaj Tak's Accolades Despite Controversies
Despite these controversies, Aaj Tak has won the award for the 'Best Hindi News Channel' 19 times since 2001 at the Indian Television Academy Awards. This indicates that while it faces significant criticism, it still maintains a level of trust and recognition within the industry.
