Sudhir Chaudhary, one of India’s most renowned journalists, is all set to join DD News in May 2025 and embark on a new journey. With decades of experience in television journalism, Chaudhary has been a key figure in shaping India’s news landscape. His transition from Aaj Tak to DD News is another milestone in his dynamic career.
The journey of a seasoned journalist “Sudhir Chaudhary”
Chaudhary’s career in television journalism dates back to the 1990s when he initially joined Zee News. Over the years, he worked with several leading news networks including Live India, MI Marathi and India TV before making a notable comeback to Zee News. He gained widespread recognition as the host of the prime-time show Daily News and Analysis (DNA). During his tenure at Zee News, he rose to the position of Editor-in-Chief and CEO, where he oversaw multiple channels such as WION, Zee Business and Zee 24 Taas.
In July 2022, Chaudhary made headlines when he resigned from Zee News and joined Aaj Tak. He soon became the face of the prime-time show Black and White (B&W). Despite speculations about his exit from Aaj Tak in 2023, he remained with the channel until early 2025. Now, reports confirm that he will take up a new role at DD News, a move that is expected to boost the channel’s credibility and viewership.
DD News deal and its impact
Prasar Bharati has reportedly struck a lucrative deal of ₹15 crore with Choudhary, ensuring his presence in the prime-time slot. This strategic decision is aimed at boosting DD News’ TRP ratings and public perception. The move has sparked discussions in media and political circles, with some questioning the rationale of such a huge investment.
Sagarika Ghose of the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) raised concerns in the Rajya Sabha, highlighting Choudhary’s past controversies. However, Prasar Bharati sources defended the decision, stressing that his expertise and popularity would potentially benefit the state-run broadcaster.
Controversies and legal battles
Throughout his career, Choudhary has been embroiled in several controversies. One of the most high-profile cases was the Jindal extortion case in 2012, in which he was accused of attempting to extort advertisements worth ₹100 crore. He was arrested and later released on bail, and the case settled in 2018.
Choudhary has also been accused of biased reporting and Islamophobia. His coverage of the Tablighi Jamaat event during the COVID-19 pandemic was criticised for targeting the Muslim community. In 2023, the News Broadcasting and Digital Standards Authority (NBDSA) reprimanded his show Black and White for promoting communal narratives. Another controversy arose when he linked India’s cricket success to the absence of reservation in team selection, sparking outrage on social media.
Recognition and achievements
Despite the controversies, Chaudhary continues to be recognised for his journalistic work. He received the Ramnath Goenka Award for Excellence in Journalism in the Hindi broadcasting category in 2013 for his interview with a prominent figure related to the December 16 gang-rape case.
His experience in live reporting includes coverage of important historical events, such as the Vajpayee-Musharraf Indo-Pak summit following the attack on the Indian Parliament in 2001. Over the years, he has built a reputation as a bold journalist who is not afraid to take a stand on sensitive issues.
The way forward
As Chaudhary prepares for his new role at DD News, expectations are high. His presence is likely to bring renewed attention to the state-run broadcaster, potentially changing the dynamics of India’s television news industry. While critics are sceptical, his supporters believe the move will solidify DD News’ position as a credible news source.
Only time will tell how Sudhir Chaudhary’s new venture progresses, but one thing is certain – his influence on Indian journalism remains significant.
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