Rahul Kanwal’s next stop: NDTV?

Rahul Kanwal, who recently stepped down as News Director at TVTN and Executive Director at Business Today, is expected to assume the role of Editor-in-Chief and CEO at NDTV Group, according to multiple sources familiar with the development who spoke to exchange4media.com.

As per sources, Kanwal is expected to operate under the strategic oversight of the Adani leadership, with a direct reporting line to Sanjay Pugalia, who heads AMG Media Networks, the parent entity of both NDTV and IANS.

His exit from India Today was confirmed in an internal mail last week. The development follows Shiv Aroor’s recent move to NDTV as Managing Editor after an 18-year stint at India Today.

“Rahul has been an integral part of our leadership team, shaping television news with his sharp political insights, election coverage, and investigative reporting at India Today and Aaj Tak. His career, from a passionate journalist to a News Director, has been nothing short of remarkable, setting an inspiring precedent for aspiring journalists in our organization," Kalli Purie, Vice Chairperson, and Executive Editor-in-Chief of the India Today Group wrote in an internal mail announcing Kanwal's departure. 
 
"His story is the quintessential India Today Group narrative—an extraordinary journey of organic growth, limitless opportunities, and a meteoric rise that benefited both sides. Over the last twelve years, we’ve worked closely together, built formidable teams, created powerful editorial IPs, and traversed the length and breadth of our incredible country, collecting memories that will last a lifetime," irt added.
 
During his tenure at India Today Group, Kanwal was instrumental in leading news gathering and operations for the network. He was the face of India Today’s flagship primetime broadcast, ‘Newstrack,’ and also hosted the widely popular weekend interview show, ‘Jab We Met.’

Born on September 14, 1980, in Deolali, Maharashtra, Kanwal pursued his journalism studies at Delhi University. He is a Chevening Scholar and has completed a program in International Broadcast Journalism from Cardiff University. Additionally, he received the Rory Peck Trust Grant for a course in Hostile Environment Journalism.

One of Kanwal’s significant contributions to journalism has been the establishment of the Anti-Fake News War Room (AFWA), designed to combat misinformation. He also played a key role in setting up the Open Source Intelligence Desk (OSINT) at India Today Group.

Kanwal’s outstanding work in journalism has earned him numerous awards and accolades over the years.