Rahul Kanwal Takes Charge as NDTV’s Editor-in-Chief & CEO, Aiming to Infuse New Energy into the Iconic News Brand

Unknown Apr 02, 2026 1,550 Views

Award-winning journalist Rahul Kanwal has formally taken over the joint role of Editor-in-Chief and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at NDTV as of May 26, 2025. With more than 25 years of experience in journalism and leadership positions in large media conglomerates, Kanwal will command the editorial and business directions at NDTV, injecting new energy into the heritage news network now owned by the Adani Group. His joining represents a crucial leadership change with the mission of expanding NDTV's reach on platforms while upholding its image for authentic and trailblazing reporting.

Appointment and Position

Rahul Kanwal assumed his role as NDTV's Editor-in-Chief and CEO on May 26, 2025, on completion of his stint at India Today Group on May 23.
As a leader, Kanwal will be responsible for the overall editorial, strategic, and operating responsibilities of NDTV, including business development and digital growth.
The appointment of Kanwal was approved by NDTV's Board of Directors in their April 25, 2025, meeting, with Kanwal's appointment initially planned to begin from June 16 but advanced to May 26.

Professional Background and Achievements

Rahul Kanwal is a seasoned journalist with more than 25 years of experience, with assignments as News Director at India Today and Aaj Tak, Executive Director at Business Today, and senior editorial roles at Headlines Today and Zee News.
He became popular as the host of India Today's prime-time flagship show 'Newstrack' and the weekend interview show 'Jab We Met'.
Kanwal is a Delhi University (Journalism) alum, Harvard Business School's General Management Program alum, and Cardiff University (International Broadcast Journalism) alum.
He has been awarded top honors like the Chevening Scholarship, Roy Peck Trust Grant for Hostile Environment Journalism, and several awards for excellence in journalism like the Exchange4Media News Broadcasting Award (ENBA).

Vision and Industry Reception

Rahul Kanwal was keen on heading NDTV, a channel he had grown up watching, and stressed his intention to give new life and energy to the network while maintaining its history of reliable election coverage and breaking news.

Sanjay Pugalia, CEO of AMG Media Networks that owns NDTV, welcomed Kanwal's appointment, underlining his strong editorial acumen, passion for journalism, and leadership qualities as essential to NDTV's future development and growth across platforms.

NDTV continues to build its presence with new product offerings and holds on to its founding principles of credibility and trust, situating Kanwal to take the network into its next stage of strategic expansion.

NDTV's Legacy and Ownership

NDTV, established in 1988, is among India's most trusted and followed news networks, serving more than 65 countries through several TV channels and digital platforms in three languages.
The Adani Group currently holds control of the network through subsidiary AMG Media Networks Limited.
The Board of NDTV also recognized the leadership of outgoing CEO Sanjay Pugalia during a critical time of transformation and is anticipating his future support.

Sources: Exchange4Media, Samachar4Media, Afaqs, MediaBrief, IndianBroadcastingWorld

Stay Ahead – Explore Now! Oil India Limited, PTRC Canada Sign Energy Collaboration Framework