'Reporters Off Air': Aaj Tak's new podcast offering Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes News

The same five reporters, but this time, delivering exclusive news off the air—this is the premise of Aaj Tak’s latest podcast, Reporters Off Air. Hosted by the seasoned journalist Mausami Singh, the first episode features renowned Aaj Tak reporters Sanjay Sharma, Himanshu Mishra, Shreya Chatterjee, and Aishwarya Paliwal.

Aaj Tak, India’s leading Hindi news channel, has built its legacy on sharp editorial calls, innovative content strategies, and a team of credible reporters. The driving force behind this powerhouse is India Today Group’s Executive Editor-in-Chief and Vice Chairperson, Kalli Purie, popularly known as KP. From dominating the traditional print media to establishing a stronghold in television news, expanding into the digital space, creating milestones like Lallantop, and maximizing revenue streams on YouTube—Aaj Tak’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Now, with the launch of this exclusive podcast, the channel takes another innovative step in the world of audio journalism, reinforcing its standing beyond just TRP ratings.

Under KP’s leadership, her trusted editorial head for Hindi content, Supriya Prasad, has been at the forefront of Aaj Tak’s content evolution. His ability to merge traditional news delivery with experimental digital storytelling has led to the creation of Reporters Off Air, offering listeners a unique behind-the-scenes look at major news stories.

On television, news reporters bring the latest updates from the field, often covering fast-paced political and crime stories. But what happens behind the scenes? What do these journalists experience while chasing stories? That’s exactly what Reporters Off Air promises to deliver each week. Aaj Tak’s senior reporters will share their experiences, the challenges they face, and the exclusive details they gather—off the record but straight from the ground.

The podcast’s host, Mausami Singh, explains the idea behind the show: “We come on air, report the news, and then our microphones turn off. But what we discuss off-air never reaches the audience. That’s why we started Reporters Off Air. This podcast brings our exclusive news, behind-the-scenes stories, and investigative journalism directly to you every week.”

She kicks off the first episode by introducing the lineup of Aaj Tak’s top reporters:

• Shreya Chatterjee, a sharp crime beat journalist, with an eye for the most intricate details of crime investigations.

• Himanshu Mishra, an expert in political coverage, who has an unmatched grasp on policy and government affairs.

• Aishwarya Paliwal, a multitasker who seamlessly transitions between studio anchoring and on-ground reporting, specializing in BJP-related coverage.

• Sanjay Sharma, a veteran journalist with extensive expertise in legal and religious affairs, described as the ‘Mahamahim’ (grandmaster) of all beat reporters.

In its inaugural episode, Reporters Off Air dives deep into a burning topic—the controversy surrounding Justice Yashwant Verma. Recently, a fire at the judge’s residence triggered a media storm, with various speculations emerging about the incident and its implications. The podcast unpacks the story, analyzing its legal and political ramifications, while providing insights that mainstream news might have missed.

With its fresh format and in-depth storytelling, Reporters Off Air is set to become a must-listen for news enthusiasts who crave behind-the-scenes exclusives. This podcast is yet another testament to Aaj Tak’s commitment to evolving with the times, engaging its audience beyond television screens, and setting new industry benchmarks.