The rise and reinvention of Rahul Kanwal

In an industry where credibility, innovation, and leadership are more crucial than ever, Rahul Kanwal’s meteoric rise reflects a career built on resilience, reinvention, and relentless pursuit of excellence. From anchoring prime-time debates to steering newsroom strategy, Kanwal has consistently evolved with the changing dynamics of Indian media.

In a major leadership move that signals a new chapter for NDTV, Rahul Kanwal, one of India's most recognisable journalistic faces, is set to join as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Editor-in-Chief. Following his resignation from TV Today Network, where he served as News Director and Executive Director of Business Today, speculation about his next move had been rife. Now, it's official: Kanwal will take charge at NDTV starting June 16, 2025, pending final approval from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

This appointment was formally ratified during a board meeting of NDTV's parent company on April 25, 2025. The information has also been disclosed to the stock exchanges under SEBI regulations, underscoring the strategic importance of the decision.

Born on September 14, 1980, in Deolali, Maharashtra, Rahul Kanwal carries with him over 25 years of formidable experience in broadcast journalism. A Delhi University alumnus, Kanwal pursued journalism before enhancing his academic portfolio with a specialization in International Broadcast Journalism from Cardiff University as a Chevening Scholar. Additionally, he is an alumnus of the General Management Program at Harvard Business School.

Kanwal's journalistic journey is marked by his deep expertise in political reporting, election coverage, and investigative journalism. He made his early mark with senior editorial roles at Zee News and Headlines Today, before becoming a household name at Aaj Tak and India Today TV. His prime-time show NewsTrack and the weekend interview series Jab We Met became highly popular, showcasing his knack for blending hard news with engaging storytelling.

Beyond his on-screen presence, Kanwal's leadership behind the scenes has been transformative. He was instrumental in launching initiatives like the Anti-Fake News War Room (AFWA), aimed at combating misinformation, and the Open Source Intelligence Desk (OSINT), pushing the boundaries of data-driven journalism in India. These initiatives have earned industry-wide recognition and set benchmarks for media credibility at a time when fake news challenges are surging globally.

Kanwal’s contributions have been recognized with several awards, including accolades at the exchange4media News Broadcasting Awards (enba). His fearless field reporting has also earned him the prestigious Rory Peck Trust grant for training in hostile environment journalism.

At NDTV, Kanwal is expected to work under the strategic leadership of Sanjay Pugalia, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of AMG Media Networks, which owns NDTV and IANS. Sources indicate that Kanwal’s dual role, heading both editorial and business operations, aligns with NDTV’s ambition to blend robust journalism with a dynamic growth strategy.

His transition comes shortly after another senior India Today hand, Shiv Aroor, moved to NDTV as Managing Editor, indicating a potential strengthening of NDTV’s editorial and leadership depth.

Kalli Purie, Vice-Chairperson and Group Editorial Director at India Today Group, summed up Kanwal’s journey aptly in an internal note, calling him an "inspiring story of merit and hard work" and a "core part of the leadership team." Under Kanwal’s guidance, India Today’s news-gathering and operational standards had seen considerable strengthening, setting high benchmarks for newsrooms across the country.

As the news ecosystem enters an era increasingly influenced by AI and digital transformations, Rahul Kanwal’s appointment is seen as a strategic masterstroke. NDTV’s bet on a leader who blends journalistic passion with strategic acumen may very well define its next phase of growth.