Ajay Kumar appointed Group Editor of English newspaper Top Story

Senior journalist and well-known TV host Ajay Kumar has taken on a new role as Group Editor of the English newspaper "Top Story." According to information released by the newspaper , Ajay Kumar will advise and manage the editorial board, redefine editorial direction, and provide guidance. He will also work to expand the newspaper's market presence, strengthen the brand , develop content, and maintain editorial quality.

Ajay Kumar returns to print journalism

Ajay Kumar, who has been active in electronic and print journalism for over three decades, is rejoining print journalism. He believes that despite the expansion of television news and social media, print journalism's credibility and importance among a wide readership remain intact.

According to Ajay Kumar, well-researched , documented, and organized news reports, along with editorials and opinion pieces, have their own distinct identity. Content published in print and on social media remains available for a long time , while content on these platforms has a longer shelf life than news presentations broadcast on television.

He believes that in this era of conflict, chaos , upheaval, and divergent narratives, there is an opportunity to reinvent authentic journalism. At this time, the role of print journalism, enriched by editorials and opinion pieces, is becoming increasingly important.

Played important roles from ' Bharat 24' to 'India TV'

Ajay Kumar played a key role in the launch and growth of the 24- hour news channel "Bharat 24," which launched in August 2022. He contributed to the channel's concept , target audience , reach , technical improvements , equipment procurement, and distribution systems. He laid the channel's editorial foundation and served as Managing Editor until December 2025. During this time, he also hosted "Mr. Analyzer" at 8 p.m. and thematic special shows at 6 p.m.

Previously, Ajay Kumar served as Managing Editor at the Hindi news channel India TV. As Head of India TV Digital, he oversaw the Indiatv.in and Indiatvnews.com websites and launched several YouTube channels for the channel. During this time, he hosted the daily news show "Jeetega India , " which highlighted the stories of Indians who have achieved extraordinary accomplishments. He also hosted programs such as "Muqabla ," " Abki Baar Kiski Sarkar," and "Khabar Se Aage."

He was also involved in the launch of ' News Nation'.

In 2013 , Ajay Kumar, along with a core team of five, helped conceptualize , structure, and launch the news channel News Nation . As the channel's Managing Editor and prime time host, he played a role in establishing its editorial identity.

During his seven-year tenure at News Nation, he hosted programmes like 'Lakh Takke Ki Baat', ' Question Hour' , ' Zero Hour' , ' Nation Ki Baat' , ' Super Question Hour' and 'Pradhanmantri'.

Previously, Ajay Kumar served as Channel Head and Executive Editor at Aaj Tak, the country's leading Hindi news channel. During his tenure, he worked to maintain and expand the channel's strong position in the Hindi news market. He covered many important political events, including the Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections. He also reported and analyzed several major political events, including the anti-corruption movement led by Anna Hazare.

He also handled editorial responsibility in Star News.

Ajay Kumar also served as Executive Editor at Star News. There, he hosted the program "Nation Reporter," which became one of the channel's flagship programs. During this time, he established a branded show with his own name and identity. During his tenure, he also worked for eight weeks at Sky News in the UK , where he created and hosted the daily international news program "Foreign Editor."

Interviews with several prominent personalities including Putin , Modi and Vajpayee

Ajay Kumar has interviewed many prominent international and Indian figures during his journalistic career, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Narendra Modi , former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee , former British Prime Minister Tony Blair , former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, and former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

He has reported on terrorist attacks in various cities across the country, political crises, and international diplomatic events. During his extensive coverage of the Kargil War in 1999 , he was the first journalist to reach Peak 4897 with an Indian Army advance party. He covered the devastation in New York after the 2001 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. He also served as an embedded journalist during the Iraq War and reported from Afghanistan during the US bombing.

In the late 1990s , he reported extensively from terrorism-affected Kashmir, interviewing the leaders of various terrorist organizations operating there. He also reported on extremist activities in Pakistan and the growing influence of Islamic fundamentalism. In 2001 , he presented research papers on "The Causes and Effects of Terrorism in the Indian Subcontinent" at Rice University and Syracuse University.

Columns written in several newspapers and international publications

Along with TV journalism, Ajay Kumar has also been involved in print and digital writing. He has written regularly for publications such as The New Indian Express, Firstpost's digital platform, and the former Mail Today publication. He has also written for international publications such as The Herald , Jung, and the Dhaka Chronicle.

Ajay Kumar has over 33 years of experience in electronic and print journalism. He began reporting on electoral politics in 1996 with coverage of the Lok Sabha elections and a personal program on CNN International. He has since covered eight Lok Sabha elections and over 205 state elections , covering live events , special counting day coverage, and election-related specials. Now, as Group Editor of Top Story, he will use his extensive editorial and election journalism experience to further the newspaper's print , digital, and social media platforms.