News Broadcasting
Sumit Awasthi comes back for his second innings at Zee Media Corp
MUMBAI: Zee Media Corporation Ltd has announced the appointment of Sumit Awasthi as Resident Editor, today.
Sumit Awasthi, a Science graduate and post-graduate in Journalism from Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan, has rejoined Zee Media after a gap of 14 years in which he had been with Aaj Tak and IBN7. In his last assignment at Aaj Tak, he was the Deputy Editor (Political) and a Primetime Anchor (Dastak – the flagship primetime show was anchored by him). In addition he also was reporting on major assignments.
On the occasion Sumit Awasthi said, “14 years back, I had started my career at Zee Media and this is going to be my second stint here and it is feels like coming back to home. Zee Media is the place where I started my Journalism profession as a Reporter and then as an Anchor as well. And, it was here that people started recognising me. So it feels great to be part of Zee Media family once again.”
In these last 14 years the TV News industry has seen a sea-change and I have come back to lend my hand to India’s biggest News Network to become India’s most watched network as well. In this TRP race, I will try to make Zee News to be No 1 Channel as well. With everybody’s efforts and teamwork, this can be achieved. ”
His major forte has always remained Political assignments, but apart from this he has extensively worked on Cricket and International Politics. He is the proud recipient of NT Awards 2012 for ‘Best Anchor’ and Madhavji Jyoti Puraskar for ‘Best Journalist’. He has also been nominated for Indian Telly Awards and Hero Honda ITA Awards for ‘Best Anchor’.
On the occasion, Mr Alok Agrawal, CEO, Zee Media Corporation Ltd said, “ We were looking for a seasoned hand in the Political Reportage spectrum and with Sumit on board, we are sure that Zee Media will gain with Sumit’s experience.” We are also confident that the job entrusted to Sumit will be undertaken with a finesse that has become his trademark.”
On the occasion, Mr Sudhir Chaudhury, Editor, Zee Media Corporation Ltd said, “We at Zee Media are readying ourselves for major reporting during the Assembly Elections in Delhi, MP, Chhattisgarh, Manipur and Rajasthan in 2013 and the General Elections in 2014. Having Sumit will add to our Political Reporting acumen and Zee Media Corp is happy to welcome him.”
News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 to host Kolkata Town Hall on Hooghly River
‘Bhalobasa Bengal Inspiring Bharat’ event on April 20 brings cultural icons, trailblazing women and leaders aboard a cruise to celebrate Bengal’s enduring influence.
MUMBAI: Bengal is about to make fresh waves on the Hooghly and this time the current is pure conversation. CNN-News18 is taking its iconic Town Hall format to the waters of the iconic Hooghly River on 20 April 2026 with a special edition titled ‘Bhalobasa Bengal – Inspiring Bharat’. The floating event will celebrate the state’s rich cultural legacy and how its ideas, creativity and spirit continue to shape the rest of the country.
The unique riverside setting draws on Bengal’s history as a cradle of reform, art and intellectual thought. The speaker line-up mirrors that diversity: cultural heavyweights Mithun Chakraborty and Sreenanda Shankar will share the stage with trailblazing “Devis” such as Tanya Sanyal (India’s first woman firefighter in aviation), Ipsita Chakraborty (Kolkata’s first woman bartender) and Reshma Nilofer Visalakshi (Nari Shakti awardee and marine pilot). Music will flow through the celebrated pianist-vocalist duo Sourendro and Soumyojit, while public life and governance will be represented by Smriti Irani, Leander Paes, Saira Shah Halim, Keya Ghosh, Rekha Patra, Roopa Ganguly and Babul Supriyo.
CNN-News18, editorial affairs director, Rahul Shivshankar, said the event honours voices that carry Bengal’s legacy forward. Smriti Mehra, CEO – English & Business News, Network18, added that Bengal’s stories resonate far beyond its borders, especially as the state heads into polls.
From the first woman to battle flames in the skies to legendary actors who shaped Indian cinema, the gathering promises a rich mix of inspiration, courage and candid dialogue. In a city where culture has always flowed as freely as the river itself, CNN-News18 is turning the Hooghly into a floating forum for ideas that matter.
Tune in on 20 April on CNN-News18, CTV and YouTube to catch Bengal’s heartbeat in full flow.
