Context, not noise, drives our Budget coverage: Shereen Bhan

As we head into Budget 2026 against the backdrop of a complex global order and evolving viewer habits, Shereen Bhan, Managing Editor of CNBC-TV18, outlines how the network is recalibrating its editorial and broadcast strategy. From deploying its largest-ever line-up of Budget Editors to integrating TV and digital into a seamless “TVigital” newsroom, Bhan explains why context, credibility, and clarity, rather than speed alone, define CNBC-TV18’s approach to Budget Day coverage.

Excerpts

How is your editorial and broadcast strategy for Budget 2026 different from earlier editions?

Well, our broadcast strategy has to be contextual. Every year, we look at the factors driving the domestic economy, the factors driving the domestic investment climate, and of course the global environment as well. So, our Budget strategy is always linked to both domestic and global realities, and it is very relevant to the times that we are in.

This year, for instance, we have perhaps our largest line-up of Budget Editors. The reason we have eight Budget Editors joining us this year is because we are living in a much more complex, multipolar world, where decisions are shaped and constrained by considerations that are not necessarily in our control. We have a very diverse set of panellists joining us as Budget Editors. They are all experts—former secretaries, former Budget makers themselves, like former Revenue Secretary Tarun Bajaj, former IRDAI Chairman Debashish Panda, and macroeconomists who look closely at the larger picture. This gives you an idea of the breadth, depth, and scope of our coverage, which will be very robust. It will be a 360-degree perspective on all aspects of the Budget—whether it is fiscal math, the reform push, or how India intends to align itself to a changing global order.

Another major theme is India’s engagement with the world in a complex geopolitical environment. We have seen India sign trade agreements, including the Free Trade Agreement with the EU. A large part of our coverage focuses on how India is preparing to open up further—through customs duty rationalisation, correction of inverted duties, and broader sectoral liberalisation to attract foreign direct investment. A newer theme we are picking up this year is the nuclear sector. The government passed the Shanti Bill in the last session of Parliament, and in our pre-Budget conversations with ministers such as IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnav and Renewable Energy Minister Prahlad Joshi, there are indications that the government may introduce measures, possibly even in the Budget, to promote nuclear energy.

Budget Day was once appointment viewing. In a fragmented, mobile-first media environment, how has viewer behaviour changed, and what does that mean for business news channels today?

We have to be mindful of the fact that viewers will consume content wherever it is most convenient for them. We cannot assume that people will sit in front of a television and watch hours of Budget coverage. That assumption no longer holds. Over the years, we have made a concerted effort to strengthen our digital programming. We run multiple live streams of our Budget coverage on platforms like YouTube. Our digital strategy is distinct—bite-sized, snackable, and easy to consume on the go.

This has been an area of focus for us for several years and continues to be amplified every year. Even this year, we will provide real-time analysis for digital audiences, but in formats that are sharp, concise, and mobile-friendly. At CNBC-TV18, television and digital run in parallel. They are not separate teams or silos. We often say we are TVigital—TV and digital are fully integrated and work seamlessly together.

From data processing to graphics and real-time analysis, how is artificial intelligence already being used inside the newsroom during Budget coverage?

We have been early adopters of AR and VR graphics. If you look at our Budget programming over the last few years, our team led by a very formidable force, Mr. B. Jayashankar—spends months putting together a completely new visual identity for the Budget. You will see virtual sets, AR graphics, and a range of new visual elements powered by AR and VR. This look and feel evolves every year. Just as our editorial theme changes, so does the visual language of our Budget coverage, driven by technology and AI.

All of this is powered by our in-house team, which we are extremely proud of. There is plenty of excitement around the new Budget sets and graphics, and viewers will see a very distinct and refreshed presentation this year.

How does CNBC-TV18 translate policy announcements and fiscal data into stories that resonate with everyday citizens?

That has been our effort as the business news leader for 25 years—making business news accessible. In many ways, we have helped democratise the genre. We have given people access to markets, boardrooms, corporate decision-making, and government policy processes.

A key part of this is de-jargonising complex concepts. For instance, we have the Budget Bible, which explains ideas like fiscal deficit or the Finance Commission’s role in simple terms, helping viewers decode the Budget in real time. Our efforts are not limited to Budget Day. From January 1 onwards, we bring in insights from former secretaries, policymakers, economists, and experts to explain why this Budget matters and what to watch out for. Tax coverage is a major focus, especially personal income tax, because it directly affects households. We have dedicated segments that look at how Budget decisions impact savings, spending, and personal finances. Markets are of course central to CNBC-TV18, and we bring the best investors and market experts to help viewers understand sectoral implications and possible re-ratings. Our programming is spread across time bands and formats to serve different audiences, ensuring there is something for everyone on Budget Day.

Speed is critical on Budget Day. How does the newsroom decide what deserves airtime?

That is where experience matters. CNBC-TV18 has been India’s Budget headquarters for over 25 years. Accuracy always comes before speed, that is non-negotiable. If information is not verified or does not meet our due diligence standards, we will not air it. There is a lot of money riding on what is reported on Budget Day, and we take that responsibility very seriously.

We aim to be fast and accurate, but never fast at the cost of being right. That principle is deeply ingrained in our newsroom culture.

How do you balance the pressure of social media with the responsibility to provide verified journalism?

We are not in the business of narratives or agendas. We are in the business of facts. Unless information is verified and backed by credible sources, we will not carry it. We do not chase clickbait or play the social media game. What drives us is trust. Trust is built over time and can be lost very quickly, so we guard it fiercely. That is why viewers continue to tune into CNBC-TV18 year after year, especially on big days like the Budget. Our leadership on Budget Day is not by chance; it is the result of deliberate editorial choices that put the viewer first.