ITV

Tag: Rahul Kanwal

  • Namrata Dadwal joins NDTV 24×7 as senior editor

    Namrata Dadwal joins NDTV 24×7 as senior editor

    MUMBAI: NDTV announces the appointment of Namrata Dadwal as senior editor, NDTV 24×7, with a clear mandate – to supercharge the network’s data journalism and analytics, and weave sharper insights into the heart of its news programming.

    Dadwal steps into the role with over 18 years of experience at the intersection of journalism, data, and visual storytelling. She has built and led editorial teams that have turned complex numbers into clear, compelling narratives – whether heading the Data Intelligence Unit at TV Today Network, crafting in‑depth features at The Economic Times, or shaping high‑impact communication campaigns with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UNICEF.

    She has set up award‑winning data desks, mentored young journalists, and spearheaded projects that combine editorial depth with digital innovation – skills that are increasingly vital as newsrooms evolve to bring clarity and context in conversations.

    ‘Namrata’s appointment signals a decisive move to embed data at the core of our storytelling. Her ability to translate analytics into narratives will add a new dimension to how NDTV 24×7 explains the world to its viewers’, said NDTV CEO and editor-in-chief, Rahul Kanwal.

  • NDTV India brings in new editorial trio to deepen ground reporting

    NDTV India brings in new editorial trio to deepen ground reporting

    MUMBAI: From Tiktok towns to tractor rallies NDTV India’s newsroom just got sharper, louder and closer to the ground. In a decisive move to recalibrate its editorial voice, NDTV India has announced the addition of three seasoned journalists Subhankar Mishra, Meenakshi Kandwal, and Malika Malhotra to its newsroom. The trio brings a dynamic mix of digital savvy, primetime polish, and fearless field reporting to a channel that’s realigning its compass to reflect Bharat’s heartbeat.

    Subhankar Mishra, with over 30 million followers across platforms, isn’t just a social media juggernaut, he’s one of Hindi journalism’s most recognisable digital-first reporters. Known for his consistent presence in Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns, Subhankar reports from regions often ignored by mainstream media, turning hyperlocal issues into national conversations.

    Meenakshi Kandwal brings more than a decade of anchoring and field reporting experience. From live disaster coverage to investigative field reports, her work is defined by a rare blend of composure and clarity. With a firm grip on the facts and a steady on-air presence, Kandwal is poised to add both credibility and calm to the NDTV India desk.

    Malika Malhotra is the long-hauler of the lot. Whether it was the months-long farmers’ protests at Singhu or the environmental crisis in Joshimath, she’s proven that journalism isn’t just about breaking the news but staying with it long after the headlines fade. Her brand of journalism is patient, persistent and painfully relevant.

    NDTV CEO and editor-in-chief Rahul Kanwal summed it up best saying, “Each of them brings something critical to the newsroom Subhankar’s digital-first strength, Meenakshi’s editorial steadiness, and Malika’s commitment to field reporting. They are not chasing headlines; they are building trust.”

    The appointments signal more than a staffing shuffle, it’s a deliberate editorial shift. NDTV India is increasingly aiming to serve what it calls the “changing India” with journalism rooted in credibility, consistency, and context, a rare breed in a time of manufactured noise.

    This move is part of a broader evolution at the network, as it sheds the soundbite syndrome and retools itself around deep reporting, trust-building and ground realities. From Twitter trends to tractor trails, NDTV India’s new trio looks ready to walk the talk.

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  • NDTV 24×7 takes the crown as India’s most trusted English news channel

    NDTV 24×7 takes the crown as India’s most trusted English news channel

    MUMBAI: In a country where the loudest often command the limelight, NDTV 24×7 has quietly staged a masterclass in credibility. According to the latest BARC ratings (Source: BARC | ALL INDIA | 20-23’25 | 22+ ABC | 6 TO 24 HRS | Share per cent), NDTV 24×7 has emerged as India’s number one English news channel.

    The message from viewers is loud and clear: they want truth, not theatrics.

    This win isn’t just about numbers—it’s a narrative shift.

    In a media ecosystem rife with opinion parading as reportage, NDTV 24×7 has held its ground with restraint and rigour. While others chased virality, it stayed rooted in verification. From breaking the Ahmedabad air crash story with compassion to covering the Bengaluru stadium stampede and honeymoon murder with empathy and depth, the channel’s reportage stood out not for its speed, but its soul.

    Anchors like Ankit Tyagi led from the front, offering clarity amidst chaos. Veterans Vishnu Som and Shiv Aroor lent gravitas and understanding rather than hype. It wasn’t about shouting the loudest; it was about informing the best.

    “This recognition is a profound responsibility”, said NDTV CEO & editor-in-chief Rahul Kanwal. “In a landscape of constant noise, we remain committed to signal. We report not just with urgency, but with humility. Not just to break news, but to build understanding”.

    NDTV 24×7’s rise signals a shift in what India expects from its newsrooms—less noise, more nuance. As India confronts complex realities, it’s turning to the calm in the storm, not the storm itself. And NDTV 24×7, it seems, has become the lighthouse.

     

  • NDTV India picks Rohit Vishwakarma as managing editor to reboot its newsroom with vision, vigour and vernacular punch

    NDTV India picks Rohit Vishwakarma as managing editor to reboot its newsroom with vision, vigour and vernacular punch

    MUMBAI: There’s a long way from a village in Chhattisgarh to the power corridors of Indian media, and Rohit Vishwakarma has walked every dusty mile of it. The man who once grew up in a place untouched by the sound of trains now boards the editorial engine of NDTV India—this time as its managing editor. With a newsroom built on trust, and a landscape that’s anything but calm, Vishwakarma isn’t just filling a chair. He’s bringing a toolkit of disruption, language flair and sharp ground instincts to reinvent how India’s stories are told.

    NDTV India confirmed Vishwakarma’s appointment, marking a key moment in its editorial reset. The channel plans to double down on ‘bold editorial leadership, original thinking, and future-facing journalism’. The move is being seen as both a strategic homecoming and a calculated leap forward.

    With over 21 years in broadcast and digital media, Vishwakarma is no stranger to reinvention. His career began at Star News and since then, he has steered editorial strategy at India TV, Aaj Tak, TV9, NDTV 24×7, and Editorji, before launching RTV News Network in 2023 as its editorial director. At just 36, he became the youngest managing editor of a national news channel back in 2019.

    The man has worn many hats—and languages. He has led editorial teams across Hindi, English, Marathi, and Telugu, flipping the script on linguistic silos. As the first non-Marathi editor to take TV9 Marathi to the number one spot, he smashed regional glass ceilings. He repeated that success in Telugu-speaking markets—cementing his fluency in both language and audience.

    From primetime war rooms to dusty election trails in Saharanpur and Bulandshahr, Vishwakarma’s nose for news has always pointed to ground truth. He is known for shows like Wah Cricket, Fund Ka Funda, and Third Degree, which broke the clutter before ‘disruption’ was fashionable. His election programming—Dilli Ke Dil Mein Kya Hai and Uncensored—offered both raw energy and viewer stickiness. His reporting during the lumpy skin disease outbreak drew praise for its urgency and empathy, putting rural pain on the national radar.

    In the digital jungle, he made early moves. At Editorji, he led app-first content strategies. At RTV, he rolled out an AI-powered multilingual news platform where users could curate news playlists and interact with content—turning passive consumption into active engagement. His editorial team accurately predicted the 2024 Andhra Pradesh election results in a large-scale ground survey, pulling over one lakh live viewers.

    “News can no longer afford to speak from a pedestal. It has to speak from the ground up, and it must do so with honesty, humility, and purpose”, Vishwakarma said. “NDTV has always stood for credibility. My goal is to build on that trust and take it to a generation that demands transparency, participation, and truth without filters”.

    NDTV CEO & editor-in-chief Rahul Kanwal called it a “homecoming and a leap forward”, adding, “His work speaks to the kind of newsroom we are building—grounded, bold, and built for a new India”.

    With Vishwakarma’s appointment, NDTV India appears to be stacking its newsroom with a new wave of editorial leaders who blend traditional rigour with a pulse on modern media. The goal? Stories that don’t just break news—but break new ground.

  • Digital influencer Subhakar Mishra hops on to NDTV India

    Digital influencer Subhakar Mishra hops on to NDTV India

    MUMBAI: Once on track to become an engineer, Shubhankar Mishra is now about to engineer something else entirely, a possible tectonic shift in Hindi TV journalism. The social media powerhouse with over 30 million followers across platforms is stepping into prime time on NDTV India this July, marking a move that blurs the lines between digital virality and newsroom credibility.

    It’s a transition that has been years in the making. Inspired by a single film (3 Idiots) and armed with little more than conviction and curiosity, Shubhankar abandoned the engineering blueprint to follow the story instead of the script. From remote COVID-hit villages in Assam to the heartland’s neglected narratives, his reportage often arrived before traditional headlines did.

    But what makes his journey remarkable isn’t just the reach, it’s the resonance. Whether it’s on Instagram Reels or in long-form Youtube documentaries, he’s told stories that institutions ignored until the scroll stopped. And now, as he walks into NDTV’s studio, he brings with him not just an audience, but a mission.

    “I’m not here to be comfortable. I’m here to ask what needs to be asked,” says Mishra, explaining why NDTV India is his new home. “There aren’t many spaces left where you’re encouraged to challenge power and speak truth. NDTV is one of them.”

    The new show promises to be viewer-centric, field-forward, and unapologetically direct, a mirror held up to Bharat, by someone who hasn’t just reported on it but lived it. Expect sharp questions, grounded voices, and a refusal to settle for status quo headlines.

    “Shubhankar represents the kind of journalism this moment demands fearless, field-first, and deeply connected to the idea of India,” said NDTV CEO and editor-in-Chief Rahul Kanwal. “His following isn’t just numerical, it’s emotional. It’s trust.”

    This move is also part of NDTV’s broader editorial revamp, a pivot toward immersive storytelling, digital convergence, and fresh editorial leadership. With voices like Shubhankar leading the way, NDTV is positioning itself as a platform for a “New India” one where journalism doesn’t just inform but inspires.

    From algorithms to anchor chairs, Shubhankar Mishra’s next chapter might just redefine what news in Hindi prime time looks and sounds like. And if his 30 million-strong digital tribe is any indication, a lot of India is already tuned in.

  • Meenakshi Kandwal joins NDTV India to bring grit, grace and people-first journalism to primetime

    Meenakshi Kandwal joins NDTV India to bring grit, grace and people-first journalism to primetime

    MUMBAI: At a time when newsrooms race for views, NDTV has chosen to double down on values. The channel has welcomed seasoned journalist and anchor Meenakshi Kandwal to its editorial team, signalling a bold investment in purpose-led storytelling. The move underlines NDTV’s renewed focus on editorial clarity and integrity, where impact matters more than noise.

    Kandwal, known for her razor-sharp reportage and youth appeal, brings over 15 years of experience in television and digital journalism. From hosting marquee shows like Opinion India Ka on Times Now Navbharat to Aaj Subah and Ek Aur Ek Gyarah on Aaj Tak, she has built a career that balances wide reach with rare editorial conviction. Her audience spans platforms like X, Instagram and YouTube—where her authenticity cuts through algorithm fatigue.

    Her reporting often pushes beyond what’s trending. She once trekked through snow-laden terrain from Leh to Kargil to spotlight a lack of airport access in the region—not as a transportation gripe, but as a lifeline issue. “I want to see an airport before I die,” an elderly man told her. That quote, and the ensuing national conversation, reveal the ethos that drives her storytelling.

    “She brings a rare mix of depth, empathy, and editorial sharpness. Her field stories have already had a national impact”, said NDTV group CEO & editor-in-chief Rahul Kanwal.

    Kandwal began telling stories early—reading the morning news at school in seventh grade. She later became the first-ever anchor chosen through Star News’ nationwide anchor hunt.

    Whether covering labourers trapped in tunnels in Chamoli or championing unheard voices in Bharat, Kandwal has stayed grounded in the belief that journalism should serve people, not pageviews.

    “NDTV India has always stood for trust, empathy, and journalism that values the viewer’s intelligence. That’s exactly what drives me as a journalist. I look forward to going beyond the headlines and telling stories that matter”, Kandwal said on her appointment.

    Her addition strengthens NDTV’s dynamic new lineup, a newsroom being reshaped by young but deeply credible journalists. It’s part of a larger transformation NDTV India has undertaken—to make journalism relevant, rooted, and relatable again.

  • NDTV hires Malika Malhotra, backing substance over soundbites

    NDTV hires Malika Malhotra, backing substance over soundbites

    MUMBAI: NDTV has roped in seasoned anchor-reporter Malika Malhotra, adding serious weight to its editorial bench and doubling down on journalism that favours depth over din. With nearly a decade of ground-zero reporting, Malhotra’s induction signals a clear editorial intent — more Bharat, less breaking.

    Malhotra made headlines for her 100-day marathon at Delhi’s Singhu border, covering the farmers’ protest with grit, grace and a near-unheard-of 12-hour daily routine. But what began as an assignment became a calling — one that earned her the trust of protestors and the respect of viewers.

    She’s also among the few to return to stories the rest of the media had moved on from. Her follow-up reporting on the Joshimath land subsidence crisis brought attention back to families still stuck in limbo, proving journalism doesn’t end when the cameras pack up.

    ‘NDTV has always felt like a space that values calm, clarity, and connection. For me journalism is not about being part of the noise, it’s about getting closer to what really matters. That’s the kind of journalism I have always believed in. Audiences today aren’t just looking for news. They want insight, honesty, and a voice that speaks for them — not to them. NDTV has consistently built that trust. I am proud to be part of it,’ Malhotra said on her joining.

    NDTV group CEO & editor-in-chief Rahul Kanwal said, ‘We are very happy to welcome Malika to the NDTV family. She represents the kind of journalism we believe in — honest, grounded, and connected to real people. Her presence will add tremendous value to our editorial direction.’

    Her upcoming show on NDTV India (details under wraps for now) will carry this DNA forward — storytelling that’s relevant, rooted, and refuses to shout for attention.

    In an era of outrage cycles and race-to-the-top tickers, NDTV’s bet on Malhotra is a signal flare: the age of thoughtful, impact-first journalism may just be making a comeback.

  • Newsroom Gets a Newsmaker as Rahul Kanwal Takes Charge at NDTV

    Newsroom Gets a Newsmaker as Rahul Kanwal Takes Charge at NDTV

    MUMBAI: From breaking headlines to making one Rahul Kanwal has officially taken the hot seat at NDTV. India’s most trusted news network, New Delhi Television Ltd (NDTV), has named Rahul Kanwal as its new chief executive officer and editor-in-chief, signalling a high-octane chapter in the brand’s storied legacy. In this dual role, Kanwal will steer both editorial and business operations at NDTV, an institution that has long been the gold standard in Indian journalism.

    With over 25 years of newsroom muscle, Kanwal brings a potent mix of prime-time credibility, investigative grit, and election coverage flair. His previous innings at India Today, Aaj Tak, Business Today, Headlines Today, and Zee News saw him rise through the ranks as news director, executive director, and senior editorial leader.

    An alumnus of the Harvard Business School’s General Management Program, and a Chevening Scholar trained in international broadcast journalism at Cardiff University, Kanwal also holds a journalism degree from Delhi University. His mantle includes accolades like the Roy Peck Trust Grant for Hostile Environment Journalism, among other awards for excellence in the field.

    Welcoming the appointment AMG Media Networks CEO Sanjay Pugalia said, “NDTV is a news super-brand that has stood for credibility and trust for nearly four decades through path-breaking journalism across television and digital platforms. With five new product launches over the past two years, NDTV continues to expand its footprint while remaining steadfast in its founding ethos. Rahul brings deep editorial insight, a passion for journalism, and proven leadership qualities that will be instrumental as we scale our presence across products and platforms.”

    Rahul Kanwal said, “Like many in my generation, I grew up watching NDTV. I am super charged about the prospect of infusing new life and energy into this marquee news brand. For years, NDTV has been the go-to brand for election coverage and big breaking news. I consider it a great honour to lead this storied media brand, and I am confident that NDTV will continue to rise to great heights of journalistic and business excellence. I look forward to working with the stellar teams at NDTV as we build on the extraordinary legacy of this great institution.”

    The NDTV Board also took a moment to commend Sanjay Pugalia for steering the ship through a crucial phase of transformation and reaffirmed their intent to tap into his strategic vision going forward.

    With five new product launches in the last two years and a growing digital footprint, NDTV isn’t just reporting the future, it’s writing it. And with Kanwal at the helm, it seems the best scoops may still be ahead.

  • Rahul Kanwal to steer NDTV as CEO from June; revenue & losses rise in FY 25

    Rahul Kanwal to steer NDTV as CEO from June; revenue & losses rise in FY 25

    MUMBAI:  In a high-voltage move, New Delhi Television Limited (NDTV) has tapped veteran journalist Rahul Kanwal as its new chief executive officer and key managerial personnel, effective 16 June 2025. The appointment, cleared by the board at its meeting on 25 April, awaits the final nod from the ministry of information and broadcasting.

    Kanwal, who resigned as news director of India Today and Aaj Tak, and executive director of Business Today about a fortnight ago, brings more than 25 years of newsroom grit to the corner office. Known for his prime-time presence, election dissections and hard-nosed investigations, Kanwal has built a formidable brand in Indian journalism.

    An alumnus of the general management program at Harvard Business School and a Chevening Scholar, Kanwal honed his reporting chops at Delhi University and Cardiff University, specialising in international broadcast journalism. He is also a Roy Peck Trust Grant awardee for hostile environment journalism — and no stranger to both on-ground turbulence and boardroom manoeuvres.

    Kanwal’s editorial journey spans senior stints at Zee News and Headlines Today, marked by multiple awards for journalistic excellence. As he trades the anchor desk for the CEO’s chair, industry watchers are keen to see whether his instinct for headline-grabbing stories will translate into headline-grabbing strategies at NDTV.

    Meanwhile, the news broadcaster wrapped up FY25 with a cocktail of heady revenue growth and strategic bravado — and a side of losses. Busy transforming itself into a global, next-gen media powerhouse,  NDTV posted a 19 per cent jump in fourth-quarter revenue and a full-year top-line surge of 26 per cent.

    The network’s bold gambit included expansive coverage of heavyweight events like the Mahakumbh and Delhi Elections, alongside marquee brands such as Yuva and the NDTV Auto Awards. Meanwhile, its digital arm raced ahead, clocking a 47 per cent year-on-year jump in users across websites and apps.

    This was no year of half-measures. NDTV went all in — expanding distribution, overhauling its production and digital ecosystems, and splashing out on brand-building. It also widened its portfolio, launching NDTV Marathi to capture regional audiences and NDTV World to beam India’s view to global shores. The year also saw the launch of the ambitious NDTV World Summit, a high-powered gathering of global movers and shakers.

    However, ambition comes at a cost. Heavy investments meant NDTV ended the year in the red — a deliberate sacrifice, the company says, to sow the seeds for sustainable, profitable growth ahead.

    “FY 2024-25 was a defining year where we chose to lead with ambition and invest in the future,” said NDTV executive director and editor in chief Sanjay Pugalia. “We are confident the strategic decisions taken this year will deliver long-term value for our audiences, partners, and stakeholders.”

  • Rahul Kanwal departs from TV Today

    Rahul Kanwal departs from TV Today

    MUMBAI: Rahul Kanwal, the journalistic juggernaut who steered India’s top news channels through tumultuous times, has resigned from the TV Today group.

    After a two decade plus -long innings at the broadcasting powerhouse, Kanwal is hanging up his microphone as news director of India Today and Aajtak, and executive director of Business Today. His departure marks the end of an era for a newsman who became the face of prime-time journalism in the subcontinent.

    The Harvard-educated presenter transformed the group’s digital footprint with remarkable alacrity. Under his watch, the 30-year-old Business Today brand underwent a digital metamorphosis that rivals would kill for.
    At the helm of a 500-strong reporting army, Kanwal’s editorial empire reached a staggering 400 million viewers monthly. The Newstrack anchor, famous for his centrist “question all, take no prisoners” approach, created waves by establishing the Data Intelligence Unit and Anti-Fake News War-Room when misinformation was running rampant.

    The Chevening fellow’s career trajectory has been nothing short of meteoric—from humble beginnings as a reporter at Zee News in 1999 to conquering the summit of Indian broadcast journalism over his 23-year career.
    Kalli Purie, vice-chairperson of the India Today Group, described Kanwal’s journey as “the quintessential India Today Group narrative—an extraordinary journey of organic growth, limitless opportunities, and a meteoric rise that benefited both sides.”

    In an internal memo to staff, Purie acknowledged their 22-year collaboration: “We’ve worked closely together, built formidable teams, created powerful editorial IPs, and traversed the length and breadth of our incredible country, collecting memories that will last a lifetime. Our newsroom is the envy of the media ecosystem.”

    She added: “Change is never easy, but as news professionals, it is our very lifeblood. It is what drives us forward. There is just so much to do as AI is again opening a new doorway, an exciting inflection point for content creators.”

    The CEO expressed confidence in the team Kanwal leaves behind: “He has mentored a strong second line, which is locked and loaded for what comes next. It’s now your turn to shine.”