MUMBAI: Dilip Singh is not your ordinary journo. With over 35 years in journalism and media leadership, Singh has consistently been ahead of the curve, embracing technology long before it became mainstream. From India’s first video magazines to the first private 24×7 satellite news channel, from building the country’s first private teleport to pioneering the head end in the sky (HITS) for JainHits, Singh’s career has moved at a zippy pace.
Today, he is once again redefining news delivery with Live Times’ state-of-the-art multicast news hub in Noida—developed in collaboration with global tech giants to power LiveTimes, a digital First 24×7 satellite news channel across OTT, Fast, D2C, and new-age platforms.
But Singh is not just a technocrat; he is a newsroom warrior. He has reported on terrorism, insurgencies, elections, parliamentary proceedings, and government affairs, all while building successful news organisations from the ground up. His stints at Mega Telelive and Jain TV cemented his reputation as a content architect and editorial leader before he struck out to create Live Times.
At the heart of his legacy is an unwavering belief in journalistic integrity. Singh is vocal about “truth over TRP” and “public interest over vested interests,” pushing for meaningful debate, investigative journalism, and authentic storytelling in a media landscape often dominated by noise.
Today, as Live Times expands its footprint from local to global, Dilip Singh says he remains a pioneer, a defender of truth, and a relentless innovator shaping the future of Indian news.
Indiantelevision.com did an interaction with him to understand what’s keeping him and LiveTimes going on its first anniversary. Excerpts from the interaction.
On how true democratization of news ensures diversity of voices, representation of real issues, and independence from political or corporate agendas,
True democratisation of news means creating a space where every voice matters, not just those with power, money, or influence. It ensures that stories of ordinary citizens, marginalised communities, and real issues affecting the public take center stage. Independence from political or corporate agendas is the cornerstone of credibility—when newsrooms operate without fear or favor, they serve democracy in its purest form. Live Times is committed to this principle by giving equal representation and unbiased coverage, ensuring that news serves people, not power.
On how Live Times is restoring trust through fact-based, unbiased journalism.
In an age of sensationalism, Live Times has taken a strong stand for fact-based journalism. Our newsroom prioritizes verification over speed and accuracy over sensationalism. Every report goes through rigorous fact-checking before reaching the public. By consistently delivering unbiased news content, Live Times is rebuilding the trust that many feel traditional media has lost.
On fighting misinformation and clickbait in the age of virality.
Misinformation thrives in a world obsessed with speed and virality. Clickbait headlines may grab instant attention, but they erode trust over time. At Live Times, we have adopted a zero-tolerance policy toward fake news and misleading content. Every story is validated through multiple credible sources before publishing. We believe that while speed is important, responsibility is non-negotiable. Our editorial strategy focuses on depth, accuracy, and context rather than chasing meaningless trends.
On how journalism is a responsibility to the public.
Journalism is not just about breaking news; it’s a public service that comes with immense responsibility. Citizens rely on media for facts that shape their understanding of the world and influence critical decisions. Misreporting or bias can have severe consequences for society. Live Times views journalism as a duty to empower, not manipulate, the public. Our mission is to deliver news that informs, educates, and upholds democratic values, reaffirming journalism’s role as the fourth pillar of democracy.
On sensationalism giving instant fame, while authenticity ensures lasting respect.
Sensationalism is like a sugar rush—short-lived and damaging in the long run. While it may fetch quick ratings, it corrodes credibility. Authentic journalism, on the other hand, builds a foundation of trust and respect that endures. At Live Times, we choose authenticity over theatrics because we understand that citizens seek truth, not drama. Respect in journalism is earned through consistency, honesty, and transparency, and that’s the benchmark we aim to set.
On balancing TRP and digital metrics with meaningful content.
The pressure to chase TRP and engagement metrics often tempts newsrooms to prioritize sensational content over meaningful stories. Live Times refuses to compromise its core values for numbers. We believe that meaningful journalism can also drive engagement when delivered compellingly. By blending strong storytelling with factual accuracy, we ensure that our content resonates with viewers while maintaining editorial integrity. The goal is sustainable growth through credibility, not short-term spikes.
On sensationalism vs credibility – How news channels can build credibility.
Credibility cannot be manufactured overnight; it is earned over time through consistent honesty and transparency. News channels must make editorial integrity their north star, resisting the lure of sensational headlines for quick attention. Credibility is strengthened when journalists verify facts, acknowledge errors, and prioritize public interest over TRP games. Live Times leads by example, demonstrating that credibility and audience loyalty go hand in hand when trust is never compromised.
On how clickbait journalism may bring short-lived attention, but credibility builds loyalty and brand.
Clickbait may capture fleeting attention, but it undermines the very foundation of journalism—truth and integrity. Real journalism thrives on credibility because audiences rely on news not just for information, but for understanding and trust. Sensational headlines might drive quick clicks, but they erode confidence and damage the profession’s core purpose. Credibility, on the other hand, builds a loyal audience that values accuracy and depth over drama. In the long run, it’s not the loudest voice that prevails, but the most trusted one—and that is where responsible journalism creates lasting impact.
On how Live Times is setting a benchmark in responsible journalism.
Live Times prioritises truth over trends. We have built systems to fact-check rigorously, avoid unnecessary sensationalism, and provide context to every story. From investigative reports to citizen-centric coverage, our goal is to inform rather than inflame. By refusing to bow to political or commercial pressure, we are setting an example for the industry: credibility is the true currency of media, and we intend to preserve it.
