Top TV news CEOs set to make headlines in 2025

As Indian media enters a pivotal era in 2025, visionary CEOs are revolutionising the news broadcast industry. These trailblazers are steering the nation’s most influential networks with groundbreaking innovations, bold digital initiatives, and fresh journalistic standards. 

From reinvigorating traditional outlets to pioneering modern content strategies, their leadership has been setting benchmarks in one of the world's fastest-evolving media landscapes.

Let’s take a look at some of the prominent names:

Sumanta Datta, CEO, ABP Network

ABP Network announced its new CEO – Sumanta Datta in November 2024, five months after the exit of Avinash Pandey. Datta's leadership at ABP Network is expected to foster innovations and steer the group through India's dynamic media landscape, leveraging his extensive experience across sectors to expand its reach and influence.

Datta brings with him over three decades of experience in leading major commercial operations, marketing, and distribution across industries such as consumer goods, durables, and education.

Sanjay Pugalia, Whole-Time Director, NDTV

Sanjay Pugalia is a renowned political and business journalist. He has vast experience in digital, television and the print media. He has been a part of several pioneering ventures in India & has launched and headed CNBC Awaaz for 12 years.

Earlier, as News Director, he set up Star News in Hindi, headed Zee News and was part of the founding team of AajTak. He has also worked with Australia's Nine Network's Indian JV in 2000-01 as President - Head of Strategic Planning and Film Business. As a print journalist he has worked with Business Standard and Navbharat Times.

He was also a regular contributor to BBC Hindi Radio during the 1990s. He joined NDTV from Quint Digital Media Ltd, where he was President and Editorial Director.

Pugalia had shared his vision for NDTV saying the focus is on building an organisation for the future, one that consistently raises industry benchmarks. NDTV also launched its Marathi news channel in 2024.

Dinesh Bhatia, Group CEO, India Today Group

Dinesh Bhatia is a visionary leader with over 25 years of experience in the media industry. With a proven track record of driving growth and innovation, Bhatia has played a pivotal role in shaping the India Today Group's publishing, broadcast, and digital businesses.

Prior to his tenure at TVTN, Bhatia worked with HT Media for nearly a decade. He joined the India Today Group in 2006 as Group Chief Financial Officer and transitioned to his current role in 2020, marking a new era of leadership and aggressive innovation. His responsibilities include spearheading initiatives across the Group, encompassing TV Today's flagship channels, the iconic India Today magazine and other leading titles, and the digital business that straddle across legacy brands and digital first products

Under Bhatia's leadership, the Group has achieved remarkable milestones, including the launch of channels like India Today TV (ITTV), Good News Today (GNT), and digital-first platforms like Lallantop, Taks, introduction of Connected TV (CTV), and India's first AI-based news anchor - Sana. Aaj Tak has consistently retained its position as the No. 1 Hindi news channel on television and is the 'Most Subscribed News Channel Globally' on YouTube, boasting over 69 million subscribers. Digital first brands are fast achieving milestones on YouTube like Gold Buttons to make it a powerhouse of socially supercharged brands

The Group has been reporting double-digit growth in its core business over many years, guided by Bhatia's strategic focus on revenue diversification and digital innovation. Additionally, in the past year, the Group garnered over 180 awards across platforms, reflecting its commitment to responsible journalism and technological excellence. Bhatia's business viability focus and prudence have fortified the India Today Group's position as a market leader in profitability. His ability to balance operational efficiency with long-term innovation ensures the Group's continued success in a competitive media landscape.

Rahul Kumar Shaw, CEO, Television and Radio, TV Today Network

Dinesh Bhatia was appointed as the Group CEO in 2022. Prior to the Group CEO role, Bhatia was Group Head - Strategy. Bhatia has been with TVTN for over 15 years. He joined TVTN as Chief Financial Officer.

Rahul Shaw was appointed as the CEO in 2020 after serving as the COO and the CRO. He joined the Group in 2011 as the Vice President, Sales at the then Headlines Today (now India Today news channel). His role it vital as he brings with him over 25 years of expertise in the business of advertising industry across print, television, radio and sports management.  

Varun Kohli, COO, Times Network

Varun Kohli joined the Times Network as Chief Operating Officer for the News Broadcasting Business in June 2024. As MK Anand’s tenure as the CEO ended on December 31, 2024, after a decade of service, Kohli is expected to take on the role after him. During his tenure, MK Anand played a crucial role in steering Times Network through various challenges, including the significant transition period following Arnab Goswami's resignation as Editor-in-Chief of Times Now. His leadership was marked by a strong emphasis on delivering reliable news, embracing technological advancements, and navigating the digital era's complexities.

Avinash Kaul, CEO (Broadcast), Network18

Avinash Kaul, the Chief Executive Officer at Network18 (Broadcast) completed 10 years in the company in May 2024. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Kaul continues to lead one of India’s largest news networks, overseeing 21 news channels in 18 languages.

Throughout his career, he demonstrated expertise across television and digital platforms. Before Network18, he served as the CEO at Times Television Network, where he managed prominent channels like Times Now, ET Now and Zoom.  

Karan Abhishek Singh, CEO, Zee Media Corporation Ltd (ZMCL)

Karan Abhishek Singh was appointed as the CEO of ZMCL in July 2024. Prior to this he was the CEO at Network18 (Hindi News- TV+ Digital). Before his stint at Network18, Singh spent over five years with Star India (now Disney Star) and has also worked with PepsiCo India, Nokia, Godrej Sara Lee, and HUL. 

 Ritu Dhawan, MD, India TV

Ritu Dhawan, wife of Chairman Rajat Sharma, is the Managing Director of the company. 

There is no designated CEO at India TV as of now, but the business is being overseen by Dhawan. Under her leadership, India TV group grew in all aspects last year group and has launched three CTV-first channels. India TV Speed News became the first channel to be available on linear TV with its origin on CTV while the industry is moving towards digital from linear.

Hersh Bhandari, CEO, Republic World

Republic Media Network promoted Hersh Bhandari to the position of CEO for its broadcast business in November 2023. Before this, he held the role of COO at Republic Media Broadcast. Bhandari oversees the entire national operations for all existing broadcast channels of the Network.

With over three decades of experience in the industry, Bhandari has worked with Star TV Network, Times Network and TV Today before joining Republic TV. 

Barun Das MD and CEO, tv9 Network

Barun Das is a prominent figure in the news industry, serving as the Managing Director and CEO of TV9 Network. Under his leadership, TV9 Network has experienced significant growth and innovation, solidifying its position as a leading news organization.

In recognition of his leadership, Barun Das was honored with the prestigious 'World's Best Leader' award by WCRC, highlighting his influence and contributions to the media industry.

He is an alumnus of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kolkata and the London School of Economics (LSE). His last corporate assignment was as the CEO of Zee Media Limited where he worked for over five years. 

Rajesh Kalra, Chairman and CEO, Asianet News Media

Rajesh Kalra is a significant figure in the news industry in 2025, serving as the Executive Chairman of Asianet News Media & Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.

With a journalism career spanning nearly three decades, he has held prominent positions, including Chief Editor at Times Internet, Economic Times, Business Standard, Times of India, and Dataquest.

Under his leadership, Asianet News has expanded its reach and influence, particularly in the southern regions of India, by embracing digital platforms and innovative content strategies. His commitment to journalistic integrity and adaptation to the evolving media landscape have been instrumental in the organization's success. 

Anurradha Prasad, CMD, News24

Anurradha Prasad, the Chairperson and Managing Director of B.A.G. Films & Media Ltd., and Editor-in-Chief of News24, holds a significant position in India's news industry in 2025. With a career spanning over three decades, she has been instrumental in shaping Indian television journalism.

Under her leadership, News24, launched in 2007, has become a prominent Hindi news channel, known for its credible and fast news delivery. The channel's tagline, "Think First," reflects its commitment to empowering viewers with inclusive and solution-seeking journalism