A news anchor is often called the face of the media industry. They not only serve to deliver the news but also shape the news narrative and influence public opinion through various styles of reporting, presentation, and credibility. In India, for a democracy wherein news plays a crucial role, the contribution of top news anchors has been very significant. From breaking hard-hitting news stories to engaging in debates on critical national issues, these presenters have made their mark because of the distinctiveness of their approach to journalism.
\This article details the 15 top news anchor in India, focusing on what they bring and what sets them apart in the media landscape. If you’re looking to establish a platform highlighting such influential figures, partnering with the Best News Portal Development Company in India – 7k Network can ensure a robust and dynamic online presence to showcase such impactful stories effectively.
The Impact of News Anchors on Public Opinion
Storytelling:
News anchoring is the anchor to the building of context and a particular tone from where the main event or issues of interest to the public come alive.
Building Trust and Credibility:
The source of reliable information trusted by the audience is what makes news anchoring credible, significantly influencing perceptions and shaping public opinion with regard to sensitive issues.
Social Cause:
Top news anchors in India make their platform the way to discuss issues that go wrong in society, which will lead to more discussions and policy changes in the future.
Enhancing Political Consciousness:
Top news anchors in India, usually interview, have debates, or panel discussions of how the situation is politically in the country, then follow the lead of voting as well as other activities in society.
Accountability Advocate:
By questioning those in authority and airing corruption or incompetence, anchors generally tend to shape public expectations about governance and transparency.
Imparting Sound Reasoning:
Since anchors are capable of critically analyzing news items with balanced viewpoints, viewers can use their informed opinion-making ability instead of taking things at face value.
List of Top 15 News Anchors in India
1. Sudhir Chaudhary
- Employer: Aaj Tak (Current), Former Zee News
- Known For: DNA show, investigative reporting
- Years Active: 1993-present
- Awards: Ramnath Goenka Award, ENBA Award
Sudhir Chaudhary has risen to one of the known faces in Hindi journalism, with a direct and often controversy-laden style of reportage. His show “DNA” was extremely popular and set the standards for news analysis on any given current event by breaking it down into intricate details. He attracts viewers through graphics and pictures to make complex topics familiar to them.
He has done some very high-profile interviews and investigations in his career that have gone into a huge public discourse. He moved from Zee News to Aaj Tak, indicating his ability to retain audience eyeballs across mediums. His reportage style changed the way Hindi news was communicated.
2. Barkha Dutt
- Employer: Former NDTV, Founder of Mojo Story
- Known For: War reporting, investigative journalism
- Years Active: 1995-present
- Awards: Padma Shri, Emmy nomination, Global Leader for Tomorrow by WEF
Barkha Dutt is one of India’s most prominent journalists, especially for her fearless coverage of the Kargil War in 1999. Her style of reporting has deep investigation combined with human interest stories, which makes complex issues accessible to viewers. She has interviewed many world leaders and covered major national events throughout her career. Her coverage of the 2008 Mumbai attacks brought her recognition internationally, albeit with controversy involving media ethics.
She gained significant acclaim during the COVID-19 pandemic for covering ground reporting stories across India that documented the situation firsthand. Most of her stories challenge political narratives and bring up issues that seem to be minor but affect average citizens.
3. Arnab Goswami
- Employer: Republic TV (Founder), Former Times Now
- Known for: Newshour debates, aggressive interviewing style
- Active years: 1995-present
- Awards: Ramnath Goenka Award, Asian Television Award
Arnab Goswami has revolutionised the format of prime-time news debates in India with his high-energy presentations and confrontational style. His very catchphrase-“The nation wants to know”-morphed into a cultural phenomenon by changing the rules of the news anchor game regarding how one confronts the subjects. He built a new model of the journalist-entrepreneur at Republic TV, one of India’s most-watched English news channels. His reporting on major national events and developments often sets public discourse.
Whatever controversies surround Arnab Goswami, the influence he still exerts in Indian media has been huge – inspiring a whole generation of anchors. His style of aggressive journalism has redefined television news presentations in India and succeeded in maintaining it at high ratings.
4. Anjana Om Kashyap
- Employer: Aaj Tak
- Known For: Special Report, Halla Bol
- Years Active: 2003-present
- Awards: ENBA Award, ITA Award
As a modern successful face in Hindi journalism, Anjana Om Kashyap is a prominent female voice whom the audience respects for her balanced approach to news presentation and interviewing. Her show “Halla Bol” has become a pedestal for speaking on crucial social and political issues affecting the nation. She has reported many major events, such as elections, natural catastrophes, etc., with a distinct twist of news coverage.
Her interviewing style is assertive yet empathetic, making difficult political discussions understandable to viewers. She has kept her credibility while discussing controversial issues throughout her career. Many women have been inspired by her success to pursue broadcast journalism careers.
5. Amish Devgan
- Employer: News18 India
- Known For: Prime time debates, “Aar Paar” show
- Years Active: 2004-present
- Awards: Best News Anchor (Hindi) at ENBA Awards, ITA Award for Best Anchor
Amish Devgan has become the most influential voice in Hindi news television through his style of presenting prime-time debates. His show “Aar Paar” consistently tops the chart of most watched news programs at the time slot where he raises highly controversial political and social issues. His interviewing techniques are a mesh of aggressive questionnaires and facts-based journalism often leading to landmark confrontations involving political figures.
He has continually focused on stories that tell stories of nationalism across his career during major national events and political updates. His outreach to the heartland Hindi language audience has made him a strong influence over public opinion. His coverage of elections and political developments has particularly stood out, earning him recognition from both viewers and industry peers.
6. Kishore Ajwani
- Employer: News18 India
- Known for: Breaking news coverage, “Desh Nahi Jhukne Denge”.
- Years Active: 1997-present
- Awards: Best News Presenter at Indian Television Academy Awards, ENBA Award for Best Anchor
Distinguished by the measured approach toward the news presentation as well as great composure at handling breaking news, Kishore Ajwani is one. His flagship “Desh Nahi Jhukne Denge” has, on the day of its premiere, become an excellent platform discussing all the essential national issues at a time but strictly based on fact-based reports and not sensationalism in any form. His career spans at least a couple of major news events where calm presentation and clear communication have helped viewers understand complicated situations during times of crisis.
Since becoming the Managing Editor of News18 India, he has played a significant role in building editorial policies for the channel while keeping journalistic standards intact. He has given himself an all-inclusive experience in the field of delivering news-from field reporting to studio anchoring.
7. Rubika Liyaquat
- Employer: ABP News, Former Zee News
- Known For: Master Stroke, AB Tak
- Years Active: 2007-present
- Awards: ENBA Award
Rubika Liyaquat is an influential voice of contemporary Hindi journalism, with the articulate and balanced presentation style of her show, “Master Stroke,” which covers the entire country’s political and social issues and has drawn widespread attention. Rubika Liyaquat has also conducted several interviews with high-profile political leaders and celebrities with much professionalism. Her reporting blends the best of old journalism and new presentation methods to present a difficult topic. She has won many crucial news stories, while always adhering to professional standards. The story of her success is a role model for journalists in their budding careers coming from various walks of life.
8. Shweta Singh
- Employer: Aaj Tak
- Known For: Desh Tak, political reporting
- Years Active: 2006-present
- Awards: Multiple industry recognitions
Shweta Singh has carved a niche for herself in the area of political journalism through her sharp analysis and extensive coverage of national politics. She has taken her program “Desh Tak” to the ground level through in-depth political analysis and its effects on common citizens. She is a top news anchor in India. She has covered several election cycles and key political events, emphasizing the depth of her reporting through thorough research. Her interviewing style is a mix of persistence and respect, which helps her to extract meaningful insights from her subjects. She has always kept her focus on fact-based reporting while handling sensitive political topics throughout her career. Her work has significantly contributed to political journalism in India.
9. Sumit Awasthi
- Employer: IBN7, Former Zee News
- Known For: Political analysis, election coverage
- Years Active: 1995-present
- Awards: Indian Television Academy Award
Sumit Awasthi has been a distinctive reporter with his in-depth coverage of Indian politics and ability to simplify complex political situations before the viewer. Election coverage, particularly, has been impressive as he has combined data analysis with ground reporting to give viewers meaningful insights. He is top news anchor in India. During all these years of reporting, he has maintained a reputation for balanced reporting while covering sensitive political issues.
His interviewing technique is known for being thorough but respectful, enabling him to obtain interviews with challenging sources. He has mentored many young reporters as a senior journalist and influenced the standards of television journalism. His contribution to political journalism helped viewers better understand the democratic process.
10. Richa Anirudh
- Employer: Independent journalist, Former IBN7
- Known For: Zindagi Live, social issue reporting
- Years Active: 2000-present
- Awards: Laadli Media Award
Through sensitive coverage of social issues and human interest stories, which often do not find mention in mainstream media, Richa Anirudh has carved a niche for herself. The show “Zindagi Live” became a forum for discussing taboo subjects and bringing to the forefront the voices of marginalized communities. She has, time and again, focused on stories that depict social inequalities and inspire positive change in society. She is the top news anchor in India.
Her empathetic interview style has made it possible to discuss sensitive subjects without losing the dignity and respect of her subjects. She remains in touch with her audience, even during a career spanning so many years, through social media and public engagement. Her work has contributed significantly toward making television journalism more socially conscious.
11. Rajat Sharma
- Employer: India TV (Chairman and Editor-in-Chief)
- Known For: Aap Ki Adalat
- Years Active: 1992-present
- Awards: Padma Bhushan, Indian Television Academy Hall of Fame
Rajat Sharma’s “Aap Ki Adalat” is an institution on Indian television and has been going strong for more than two decades, interviewing virtually every major public figure in the country. The unique courtroom format of his interview has given rise to some of the most unforgettable moments and confessions on television. As the founder of India TV, he has transformed the way news is presented to Hindi-speaking viewers all over the country.
His interviewing style is a combination of tough questioning with a respectful approach that puts guests at ease while maintaining journalistic integrity. He has always maintained high ethical standards throughout his career, building one of India’s largest news networks. His success story from humble beginnings continues to inspire many aspiring journalists.
12. Shereen Bhan
- Employer: CNBC-TV18
- Known For: Business journalism, Young Turks
- Years Active: 2000-present
- Awards: FICCI Woman of the Year, Ramnath Goenka Award
Shereen Bhan has redefined business journalism in India through clear, concise, and comprehensive coverage of economic issues and corporate affairs. Her show “Young Turks” has evolved into a forum for showcasing entrepreneurial talent and the startup ecosystem in India. She has covered important economic events and policy decisions in a way that makes complex financial information accessible to viewers. She brings both technical knowledge and clarity in presentation to the style of interviewing.
She is also considered to be the top news anchor in India. She has a very respectable voice in business journalism. Over her career, she has managed to maintain the best standards of financial reporting despite all the changing economic landscapes. She has really added much value to the financial literacy of Indian viewers.
13. Nidhi Razdan
- Employer: Former NDTV
- Known For: Left, Right & Centre
- Years Active: 1999-present
- Awards: Ramnath Goenka Award, ENBA Award
Nidhi Razdan is the epitome of balanced moderation of political debates, providing great insights. She presented a balanced approach in “Left, Right & Centre” by engaging the best possible people from across the divide on important national issues facing the country. She covered the major international events and conducted interviews with the global leaders of their stature to provide a mature view of the Indian news.
A great journalist uses thorough research with a balanced presentation, so she is a trusted source of news and analysis. She has always followed high journalistic standards throughout her career on controversial topics. Her work has shaped how Indian television conducts political debates.
14. Rahul Kanwal
- Employer: India Today Group
- Known For: Investigative journalism, election coverage
- Years Active: 2000-present
- Awards: Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award
Rahul Kanwal has left a mark with comprehensive reporting and investigation on major national events such as elections and political events. His undercover investigative work has broken several important stories that have affected public debate and policy. Rahul Kanwal has made a mark for himself asking the tough question but always asking it in decorum during political interviews.
His approach merges conventional journalism with modern high-tech tools to offer all-around news coverage. Throughout his reporting career, he has not swerved away from fact-reporting, even in his coverage of political issues of such a sensitive nature. His contribution also raises the quality of India’s investigative journalism to higher levels.
15. Punya Prasun Bajpai
- Employer: Former ABP News
- Known For: Master Stroke, investigative journalism
- Years Active: 1985-present
- Awards: Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Award
Punya Prasun Bajpai has emerged as a crusading Top News Anchor in India who is always known for fearless reporting and dedication to truth in journalism. His program “Master Stroke” came to be recognized for its critical analysis of the government’s policies and their ramifications on common people. He never compromised his independent voice while presenting sensitive political issues and social problems. He is also the top news anchor in India.
His reportage is marked by meticulous research blended with a presentation that brings such intricate matters before the audience in an easily comprehensible manner. As an established journalist, he has changed the face of investigations in India. He consistently challenged prevailing discourses and made issues relevant to society appear.
Qualities That Define a Top News Anchor
Dedication, skills, and the right ethical platform are the journeys that mark the ways to become a top news anchor in India. This is a result of the defining qualities of some of the best in the business:
- Credibility and integrity: One does not have space for any mistake; one simply cannot present information inaccurately nor sensationalize any issue.
- Good Communicator: Must have the ability to communicate and express himself clearly, articulate and confidently in connecting to a diverse variety of audiences
- Rich knowledge: Keeps ahead of as much current news, politics and culture as he can so that the content is proper and has context.
- Audience Engagement: A good anchor involves the audience in his programme, critically thinking and participating.
- Ethical Journalism: Abiding by journalistic ethics and avoiding news with a bias shall avoid loss of credibility and respect in the long run.
Conclusion
Top news anchor in India has been pivotal in defining the terms of a nation’s discourse. The top anchors from India who are best at journalism content exist with experience and expertise that also emphasizes integrity. Although each brings something unique, they share a common commitment to informing and empowering the public.
FAQs
1. Who is the most popular news anchor in India?
Arnab Goswami is one of the most sought-after news anchors and has highly charged debates on Republic TV.
2. Who among the news anchors received the Ramon Magsaysay Award?
Ravish Kumar has won the Ramon Magsaysay Award for excellence in journalism.
3. Is India’s news anchoring biased?
The reporters take the shape and form of an anchor according to the personal character of the anchor.
4. What is the salary of the top news anchor in India?
It may range between ₹10 lakh per month to ₹1 crore per month, depending upon the experience and the network such an anchor is working for.
