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Arnab Goswami’s advice to budding digital news entrepreneurs and independent journalists
NEW DELHI: There is no denying the fact that Arnab Goswami today is one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the Indian news media space today, having taken his labour of love Republic TV Network to number 1 spot within a span of a few years of its launch. But it certainly wasn’t an easy journey for him to achieve that.
However, he learnt a great many lessons on his way to excellence. And as he takes on the next step in the trajectory towards diversifying his digital reach, he recently shared his tips for budding entrepreneurs in the new media space during a virtual fireside discussion with Indiantelevision.com founder, CEO & editor-in-chief Anil Wanvari.
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1. Be financially independent
Goswami pointed out that a journalist can retain his/her independence only if they are not dependent on someone else for the constant flow of money. He insisted that the money could be arranged through debt, equity, or donation.
“I will advise that one should avoid going into debt and not rely on donation. There is nothing called a free lunch. Do not accept any strategic investment if you are not sure about being able to give the investors an exit in the near future. You should ask yourself the question if you can’t give them an exit, will they be deciding your editorial content in future,” he noted.
2. Break-even
Your initial focus should be on breaking even in the initial months of the business. The most important thing for any digital business is to break even.
“The mistake that many entrepreneurs in the digital space make that they get excited with the initial rush of money but they should be very careful where they spend it. Ask yourself if you can break even in one month, and if you can’t you should not be taking away from your co-workers and essential resources. Don’t splurge on vanity,” he explained.
3. Don’t launch a content strategy based on seasonality
One must not be creating a content strategy based on seasonal issues. The same editorial angle might not work in the long run as the audience's thought process might not sustain. Therefore, a content strategy should be independent.
“You should only be answerable to viewers who have faith in you. Do not change your editorial stance based on social media commentaries. The beauty of the media lies in the very fact that the people criticising you for one story might start supporting you for others,” Goswami quipped.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
