Indian Journalism in 2025
India is home to over 140,000 newspapers and 900 TV news channels. But not all voices are equal. Some journalists stand out for their truth, courage, and reach.
In 2025, India ranked 151st on the World Press Freedom Index. This shows that reporting the truth isn’t always easy here. Still, many journalists continue to speak up.
How We Picked India’s Top 10 Journalists
This list is not just about fame. We looked at:
- Their reach on TV and social media
- Their honesty and impact
- Awards they’ve won
- What people think about them
- How much they earn
Let’s meet the best of the best.
India’s Top 10 Journalists
1. Ravish Kumar
- Platform: Independent (formerly NDTV)
- Why Popular: Talks about real issues. People trust him.
- Awards: Ramon Magsaysay Award
- Salary: Around ₹3 crore a year (via YouTube)
2. Arnab Goswami
- Platform: Republic TV
- Why Popular: Loud, fast, dramatic debates.
- Reach: High TRP ratings
- Salary: Around ₹12 crore a year
3. Rajdeep Sardesai
- Platform: India Today
- Why Popular: Covers politics and big news events
- Salary: ₹14–15 lakh per year
4. Barkha Dutt
- Platform: Mojo Story (YouTube)
- Why Popular: Reported from Kargil War. Covers health, women’s issues, and more
5. Sudhir Chaudhary
- Platform: DD News
- Why Popular: Hosts “Decode”, explains current issues
- Salary: ₹11–13 lakh a year
6. Faye D’Souza
- Platform: Independent
- Why Popular: Clear voice, fact-based videos. Loved on Instagram and YouTube
7. Rahul Kanwal
- Platform: NDTV CEO
- Why Popular: Investigative stories, sharp interviews
8. Anjana Om Kashyap
- Platform: Aaj Tak
- Why Popular: Famous face in Hindi news. Covers elections and social issues
9. Sreenivasan Jain
- Platform: NDTV
- Why Popular: Known for deep, honest reports
10. Palki Sharma Upadhyay
- Platform: Firstpost
- Why Popular: Hosted “Gravitas”. Covers global news in a simple way
Who Is the Most Popular Journalist in India?
Arnab Goswami leads on TV.
Ravish Kumar rules YouTube.
Faye D’Souza has a big fan base on Instagram and YouTube.
So, it depends on where you’re watching!
What Do India’s Top Journalists Earn?
Here’s what some of India’s top 10 journalists make:
| Name | Estimated Salary |
|---|---|
| Arnab Goswami | ₹12 crore per year |
| Ravish Kumar | ₹3 crore per year |
| Sudhir Chaudhary | ₹11–13 lakh per year |
| Rajdeep Sardesai | ₹14–15 lakh per year |
Note: These are best estimates from media reports.
What Role Do These Journalists Play?
Top journalists help people understand big events.
They question leaders.
They tell the truth, even when it’s hard.
Their reports push the government to act.
What’s Next for Indian Journalism?
More and more people now watch news on YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter.
TV is still big. But digital platforms are growing fast.
Independent reporters are gaining ground.
Still, challenges like press pressure and online hate remain.
Conclusion
These 10 journalists shape how India sees the world.
They break news.
They ask tough questions.
And they help people stay informed.
They don’t just read headlines.
They write history.
FAQs
Arnab Goswami is the most watched on TV.
Ravish Kumar is the most followed online.
Arnab Goswami earns about ₹12 crore each year.
India has over 140,000 print publications and 900 news TV channels.
Many people say Ravish Kumar. Others trust Faye D’Souza and Barkha Dutt.
Top names earn in crores. But the average salary is around ₹3.95 lakh per year.
Did You Know?
- Ravish Kumar doesn’t use a teleprompter.
- Faye D’Souza left TV to report freely on social media.
- Arnab Goswami was once with Times Now before starting Republic TV.
