Prasar Bharati signs mega deal with Sudhir Chaudhary to revive Doordarshan

Prasar Bharati has signed a mega deal, possibly its biggest-ever media deal, with veteran editor, journalist and news anchor Sudhir Chaudhary for the much-anticipated revival of Doordarshan. This landmark partnership signals the desire of Prasar Bharati to remake DD a dominant force in Indian news television, with Chaudhary at the helm of what could become the most influential news show in the country.

Sources from Prasar Bharati, who are close to the development, have confirmed to e4m that Chaudhary is set to join the autonomous public broadcaster in the next few months, bringing with him decades of experience, a commanding presence and a reputation for impactful journalism. Sources within Prasar Bharati have also added that the agreement is estimated to be valued much more than the previously speculated number of ₹14 crores. We will bring you the exact details in next few days.

For decades, Doordarshan was synonymous with credible and impactful news coverage, shaping India’s television news culture before the rise of private networks. However, in recent years, its presence in the competitive news landscape has diminished. Now, with Sudhir Chaudhary leading its news programming, DD is set to reclaim its stature as the gold standard of Indian journalism.

Prasar Bharati’s vision is clear: to bring back the credibility, reach and influence that Doordarshan once commanded, making it the preferred news destination for millions of Indians. And in this endeavor, Chaudhary is undoubtedly the ideal choice.

Having built an illustrious career spanning over three decades, Chaudhary is known for his sharp analysis, fearless reporting, and deep insights into national and global affairs. His presence in the newsroom has shaped political discourse and kept viewers engaged with his in-depth storytelling.

Whether through path-breaking prime-time debates or exclusive investigative reports, Chaudhary has remained one of the most trusted and watched news anchors in the country.

His show Black & White’ on Aaj Tak has redefined the way news is presented to the masses. Known for its sharp analysis, data-backed storytelling and engaging presentation, the show quickly became one of the most watched and trusted prime-time news programs in the country.

 Aaj Tak itself has long stood as the bastion of premier broadcast journalism in India, hosting an array of top-tier shows and some of the nation's most esteemed anchors. Its commitment to rigorous journalism, engaging content delivery and innovative presentation has set the bar in the industry.

The move is also seen as a strategic shift for DD as it seeks to cater to India’s evolving media consumers—balancing traditional TV audiences with a growing digital-first generation. Industry analysts believe that Chaudhary’s expertise in multimedia storytelling will give DD an edge in the ever-changing media landscape.

As one of the most influential voices in Indian media, Sudhir Chaudhary’s transition to Doordarshan marks a significant shift in the country’s television news ecosystem. It is going to be a moment of homecoming—not just for Chaudhary but for millions of viewers who grew up watching Doordarshan as the nation’s most watched news source.

The e4m edit team wrote to India today group but did not get a response. The e4m edit team also wrote to Sh Navneet Sehgal, the chairman of Prasar Bharti, but received no official confirmation from him and or his office.

Whether Sudhir will leave AajTak soon is not known and whether India today group will be able to retain him is also not clear. India Today has been the most credible institution in the news domain in India and nurtured talent and created icons on its platforms. Incidentally in 2026 the India Today group will be completing its 50 years of making impact and being the leader in the editorial domain by reinventing it for every medium in every era.