News Broadcasting
Is Ashutosh going to pursue politics?
MUMBAI: Indian journalism has had few very popular names to boast of when it comes to journalists. One such name is Ashutosh. He just didn’t contribute to the growth of Hindi channels of two of the biggest networks in the country when they were launched, he also became their face during the time he was working for them. The first one was Aaj Tak from the TV Today group which was launched in 2000, and the second was IBN7, a joint venture between Global Broadcast News and Jagran TV in 2006.
In 2006, when Ashutosh left the position as deputy executive producer at Aaj Tak to join IBN7 as managing editor, he created a commotion. Once again, he repeated history today when the news of his resignation broke out. The journalist decided to end his eight year relationship with IBN7 as well without notifying anybody about his future plans.
While there’s a possibility that he could join/open another news channel, rumours are afloat that he is all set to end his more than two decade long journalistic career and join the much talked about newbie political party, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
And as the rumours are reaching far and wide, one wonders if it is possible for someone who was so committed to his work for such a long time can finally change course at the age of 49 and serve the country is another way! When quizzed about his next course of action he says, “I am open to all options.”
When probed further and quizzed if he is actually taking the political route, Ashutosh chose to give an ambiguous response that too twice, “Let’s see.”
While we were still wondering what to make out of his response, a tweet from Ashutosh gave us a slight glimpse of what is going on in his mind. He wrote, “Eight years back I changed my course, now there is another time, another call of destiny, have to swim- have to swim.”
So, is there a change of course for the journalist who started his broadcasting career in 1996 as a correspondent with Aaj Tak, which at that time was just a 20 minute news bulletin on the pubcaster – Doordarshan Metro. Aaj Tak was just a year old then. When the channel was launched in 2000, Ashutosh became a known face in many Hindi-speaking households with his primetime anchoring.
In a 2008 interview with indiantelevision.com, reminiscing about his initial days in the field, he had said, “In early 1996 I was working as a correspondent with Aaj Tak I was getting ready to give my PTC for a story on a lonely bumpy road in Ganderbal when suddenly a 10 year old boy appeared from nowhere and shouted…Ashutosh, Delhi, Aaj Tak. I was stunned. I could not comprehend that in a place so removed from civilisation, someone could recognise me. That was the power of TV. Those words still ring in my ears and I cannot forget that small boy’s face.”
Wonder if he would be able to leave the profession that he so fondly rejoiced once, or is it “country calling” for him!
News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 to host Fury in the Gulf conclave on West Asia crisis
Three-hour summit to unpack geopolitical fallout and impact on India
MUMBAI: CNN-News18 is set to host a special three-hour broadcast, Fury in the Gulf – War Conclave, on April 7, aiming to decode the escalating West Asia crisis and its far-reaching implications for India.
Scheduled from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, the conclave comes at a time when tensions between Iran and the United States are reshaping global geopolitics and triggering economic uncertainty. With India’s deep energy ties, trade links and large diaspora in the Gulf, the developments carry significant domestic relevance.
Built around the theme ‘Conflict, Consequences, and The Future,’ the programme will feature six curated sessions combining one-on-one interviews and panel discussions. The focus is to cut through the clutter and offer viewers a clearer understanding of the fast-evolving situation.
Key sessions include ‘Diplomacy in Times of War’ featuring Shashi Tharoor, and ‘World After the Iran Conflict’ with voices such as Ram Madhav, Reuven Azar, representatives from the European Union and the Iranian Deputy Envoy. Another session titled ‘Another Dunkirk?’ will bring together K. J. S. Dhillon and Jitin Prasada among others.
CNN-News18 editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar said, “In times of war, clarity becomes the most powerful tool. Fury in the Gulf – War Conclave brings together credible voices to address the questions and confusion that arise amid an overwhelming influx of information.”
He added that the initiative is aimed at delivering “facts, perspective, and insight” at a time when misinformation can easily cloud public understanding.
Echoing the sentiment, CNN-News18 CEO– English and business news Smriti Mehra said the conflict marks a defining global moment, with consequences that extend well beyond the region. She noted that the conclave seeks to present the crisis with “depth, nuance and responsibility” so audiences can better grasp its real-world impact.
As geopolitical tensions continue to dominate headlines, the conclave positions itself as an attempt to bring order to the noise, offering viewers a structured, insight-led look at a complex and rapidly shifting global situation.
