Q] What key elements drive the dynamics of your newsroom?
Our approach is content-driven. Beyond that, we believe in strong relationships within the newsroom. I prioritise personal engagement with everyone, from the PCR to IT departments and editorial. I believe in accessibility and responsiveness. Anyone can reach out to me, and I will respond promptly. We always emphasise the importance of building trust and ensuring that everyone feels heard.
Building strong relationships with my editors before assuming this role has been invaluable. I believe in recognising and respecting their expertise. They’ve earned their positions through years of hard work and talent. We seek to build a collaborative environment where decisions are formed collectively. It’s essential to value their experience and instinct.
Q] How do you measure the success of your news programs beyond ratings and ensure meaningful audience connection?
It’s disheartening to see the decline of trust in the media. Rebuilding and maintaining that trust is crucial for any news network. We strive to present news authentically, without filters, and this is reflected in our work across NewsX, Sunday Guardian, and India News. Our commitment to quality content and differentiated programming has helped us stay relevant in a noisy media landscape. We don’t believe in the race for ratings. News delivery should be the focus, not chasing arbitrary rankings.
Q] How do you ensure factual and unbiased journalism in the face of fake news and sensationalism?
We have a strict guideline: authenticate all viral news before publishing or broadcasting it. Our priority is to deliver accurate news, not to sensationalise for the sake of views or ratings. I believe in letting the viewers form their own opinions based on facts, without hyping up stories with labels like ‘explosive.’
Q] How can traditional outlets leverage technology to deliver compelling factual content that cuts through the noise?
The media landscape is constantly evolving. We need to embrace a digital-first approach, focusing on hyperlocal content and leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Viewers have access to a vast array of information, so we need to provide compelling, factual content that keeps them engaged and coming back for more.
My academic background, particularly in history, instilled in me the importance of in-depth research and human-centered inquiry. This has translated into a focus on detailed reporting, encouraging our reporters to conduct thorough research, conduct extensive interviews, and bring a human touch to their stories.
Q] What inspired you to tackle historical inaccuracies and spotlight critical events like the Emergency in India in your new Podcast ‘Historically Speaking’?
The inspiration was multifaceted. Primarily, I was concerned about the proliferation of news with historical inaccuracies and poorly cited sources. I saw a need for authentic and original content, something that viewers genuinely crave. Popular podcasts like Joe Rogan’s succeed because of their authenticity. ‘Historically Speaking’ aims to follow that model by discussing themes, books and eyewitness accounts in an unfiltered and original manner. I wanted to provide a platform for in-depth explorations of historical events, like the Emergency in India, to give younger generations a better understanding of their significance and impact on individual freedoms and civil liberties.
Q] How has the response been to the podcast series?
It’s been a mixed bag. Some platforms have shown good, quick growth, while others are still growing. But I prefer organic growth. The initial idea was to experiment with various topics, as there’s no guaranteed formula for success.
We are still finding our niche. I have noticed that conversations about recent events, contextualised within a historical framework, tend to resonate more with audiences because they are actively seeking that information. For example, my conversation with Sanjay Baru about India’s power elite and how it has evolved in recent years garnered significant interest.
Q] As the Chairperson of the ITV Foundation, what are the key initiatives that you are focusing on?
The ITV Foundation is our way of giving back to the community. We have organised health camps in various regions, including Gorakhpur, Haryana, and Punjab, addressing issues like encephalitis and women’s health. We partnered with Dettol to raise awareness about these health concerns. We also organised the ‘Festival of Ideas’ to support new writers from smaller towns, providing them with a platform to showcase their work and connect with publishers. Our ‘We Women Want’ initiative focuses on women’s empowerment, tackling taboo subjects and offering legal help.
‘We Women Want’ addresses the diverse challenges women face. We have discussed infertility in both men and women, raising awareness about an often neglected aspect of this issue. We encourage open conversations about women’s health, including cancer. We had an impactful moment when a cancer survivor urged mothers to educate their sons about male breast cancer and the importance of early detection. We tackle sensitive topics like divorce, mental health and exploitation within marriage, offering legal guidance to women who may not know how to navigate these situations. Access to legal help is a significant issue, especially in smaller towns where finding trustworthy legal counsel can be difficult. We also emphasise the importance of women having wills, empowering them to make their own decisions about their property and assets.
Q] What was the idea behind the Shakti Awards?
The Shakti Awards are a tribute to my mother-in-law, Shakti Rani Sharma, a woman who has excelled in multiple roles throughout her life. She’s been a homemaker, a successful businesswoman, the mayor of Ambala, and is currently an MLA. These awards celebrate women who, like her, wear many hats and demonstrate exceptional multitasking skills. They recognise the diverse contributions women make in all spheres of life.
