Arnab Goswami
Arnab Ranjan Goswami, a name that elicits strong opinions and heated debates, is a prominent Indian right-wing news anchor and journalist. Born on March 7, 1973, in Guwahati, Assam, Goswami has left an indelible mark on the landscape of Indian media, steering it towards a brand of journalism that has been both celebrated and criticised. His estimated net worth is 34 million USD.
Coming from a family deeply rooted in diverse political backgrounds, Goswami's upbringing was marked by varied influences. Born to Manoranjan Goswami, a retired Indian Army Colonel turned Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) politician, and Suprabha Gain-Goswami, an author, Arnab was exposed to the complexities of Indian politics from an early age. His maternal grandfather, Gaurisankar Bhattacharyya, was an elected legislator from the Communist Party of India.
Arnab's journalistic journey began with his stint at The Telegraph in Kolkata, followed by a move to Delhi, where he joined NDTV in 1996. During his tenure at NDTV, he earned accolades, including the Best News Anchor of Asia 2004 at the Asian Television Awards for hosting Newsnight.
In 2006, Arnab Goswami made a significant shift to the newly launched Times Now news channel, assuming the role of editor-in-chief. His flagship show, The Newshour, aired at 9 pm on weekdays, becoming a powerhouse of debates that brought him widespread fame. The program hosted notable figures, including world leaders like Parvez Musharraf, Benazir Bhutto, and Narendra Modi, marking Goswami as a fearless and impactful journalist.
However, in November 2016, he made headlines himself by resigning as the editor-in-chief of Times Now, citing editorial differences, a lack of journalistic freedom, and newsroom politics.
Arnab Goswami's next venture, Republic TV, launched in May 2017, marked a new era in Indian news broadcasting. Positioned as a conservative news organisation with a clear orientation towards Hindu nationalism, Republic TV garnered attention and criticism alike. The channel, funded in part by Asianet, faced allegations of being pro-government and muzzling dissent.
Controversies continued to surround Goswami and Republic TV, from TRP manipulation accusations to his arrest in connection with the 2020 Palghar mob lynching case. His confrontations with political figures, such as the Uddhav Thackeray government, and the abetment of suicide case further fueled the fire.
Arnab Goswami's style of journalism has been both applauded and criticised. He has been noted for his opinionated reporting, often leaning towards support for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Hindutva. His use of neologisms like "Urban Naxal" and "Anti-national" to label critics and dissenters has stirred controversy and has been seen as a tool to evoke hyper-nationalism.
Republic TV's extreme pro-government affinity has drawn comparisons to North Korean media and Fox News. Critics argue that the channel sacrifices coherent debate for sensationalism and contributes to communal tensions through its reporting.
Fact-checkers have documented instances of misinformation and disinformation propagated by Goswami and Republic TV on multiple occasions, adding to the criticism against the channel.
Arnab Goswami's confrontations extended to legal battles, with cases ranging from defamation to violating the Official Secrets Act. In a 2016 contempt case, Goswami tendered an unconditional apology before the Delhi High Court in May 2023, showcasing the complex legal landscape surrounding his journalistic endeavours.
While his on-air personality has been a subject of criticism, Arnab Goswami has also found a place in popular culture. The mock comedy-talk show Barely Speaking with Arnub, produced by The Viral Fever, satirises Goswami's on-air persona.
Despite the controversies and legal battles, Goswami's influence in Indian journalism remains undeniable. He won the Ramnath Goenka Award for Excellence in Journalism (TV) in 2008 and, on December 8, 2019, was unanimously elected as the President of the News Broadcasting Federation, a newly formed federation seeking to replace the News Broadcasting Standards Authority (NBSA).
Arnab Goswami's journey in the media industry continues to be a rollercoaster ride, with each twist and turn adding another layer to the complex narrative of his career. Whether celebrated or criticised, his impact on Indian journalism cannot be ignored.
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