2025 TV News Leadership Wrap: Key Moves That Redefined Indian Broadcast Media

2025 emerged as a landmark year for leadership movement in India’s TV news industry, with major editorial appointments, executive transitions, and strategic reshuffles shaping the country’s broadcast media landscape. Across legacy networks, digital-first channels and public service outlets, the year brought both consolidation and reinvention. 

At NDTV, veteran journalist Rahul Kanwal took over as Editor-in-Chief and CEO, following his departure from TV Today Network, bringing over 25 years of newsroom experience to helm one of India’s most respected news brands. The network also appointed Koreel Lahiri as Chief of Strategy and Innovation and Shiv Aroor as Managing Editor, enhancing editorial strength and strategic direction. Rahul Shaw was named to lead NDTV’s experiential business, while Vivek Makker and Samiksha Sikka took on revenue leadership roles for NDTV India and NDTV Digital respectively.

Times Network saw Ashish Sehgal step in as CEO of Times TV Network and Chief Growth Officer for Times Media & Entertainment. Meanwhile, senior journalist Puja Sethi exited her role as Managing Editor (Digital), and Sumit Awasthijoined Times Now Navbharat as Senior Consulting Editor, bringing decades of political reporting experience. 

At Zee Media Corporation Ltd, Raktim Das was appointed CEO, succeeding Karan Abhishek Singh, while senior journalist Rahul Sinha led Zee News’s prime-time show DNA.

Network18 / CNN-News18 strengthened its editorial bench with Rahul Shivshankar named Director, Editorial Affairs and elevated Pranav Bakshi to Chief Growth Officer, focusing on content, partnerships and growth across platforms. Meanwhile, Munish Atrey exited as Chief Revenue Officer for the Hindi & Language Cluster. 

The India Today Group brought in Abhinav Sharma as Vice President and National Sales Head, while appointing Nilanjan Das as its first Chief AI Officer to lead AI-driven content and monetisation strategies. 

ABP Network appointed Sumanta Datta as CEO and brought aboard media veteran Avinash Pandey as Director at Laqshya Media Group. The network also launched a new concerts and events vertical under Rajat Uppal, and appointed Saikat Dutta as Vice President – Ad Sales. Leadership exits included Rupali Fernandes as CRO and senior journalist Rohit Sawal departing from ABP News. 

At TV9 Network, Jacob Mathew moved up to Network Coordinating Editor, and Sanjeev Mulchandani was promoted to President – Sales, strengthening the network’s strategic cadre. 

Republic Media Network welcomed Jitender Kumar as Chief Revenue Officer for Republic Bharat, adding seasoned sales leadership to its expanding portfolio. 

In the regional news ecosystem, Neeraj Kohli was appointed Chairman of Asianet News Network, while long-time digital leader Rajesh Kalra stepped down from Asianxt Digital Technologies. iTV Network appointed Abhay Ojha as CEO, overseeing TV, print, digital and sports league operations. Rana Yashwant was named CEO and Editor-in-Chief at Hindi news channel News India, reinforcing leadership diversity across segments. Varun Kohli returned to Bharat Express as Director and Group CEO. 

In a standout development in public service media, Prasar Bharati partnered with seasoned journalist Sudhir Chaudhary to spearhead the revival of Doordarshan, marking a high-profile strategic move for the national broadcaster. Rajat Sharma was also elected President of the News Broadcasters & Digital Association (NBDA) for 2025–26. Rabindra Narayan, a stalwart of Punjabi television, stepped down from PTC Network leadership after nearly two decades. 

The leadership churn of 2025 underscores a period of dynamic transition in Indian broadcast media, as networks recalibrate for growth, relevance and audience engagement in a rapidly evolving industry.