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."
