Aroon Purie
Aroon Purie, a luminary in Indian journalism and media entrepreneurship, has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of news dissemination in the country. Born in 1944, he is the founder-publisher and editor-in-chief of India Today, a media conglomerate that has become synonymous with credible and comprehensive news coverage. His estimated net worth is ₹64 crore.
Aroon Purie's journey into the world of journalism began with a solid educational foundation. He graduated from the prestigious Doon School and later earned a bachelor's degree in economics from the London School of Economics in 1965. His educational background laid the groundwork for a career that would not only redefine journalism but also establish him as a leading figure in the industry.
In 1970, Aroon Purie embarked on a career at Thomson Press as a Production Controller. However, it was in 1975 that he made an indelible mark on Indian media by launching India Today magazine. In the midst of the Emergency declared by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, India Today emerged as a beacon of independent journalism, aiming to bridge the information gap for those interested in India residing abroad. Under Purie's leadership, India Today swiftly became the most widely-read publication in India, boasting editions in multiple languages and a readership of over 11 million.
The India Today Group, spearheaded by Purie, evolved into India's most diversified media conglomerate. With 32 magazines, 7 radio stations, 4 TV channels, a newspaper, various web and mobile portals, a classical music label, and a book publishing arm, the group reflects Purie's vision of a comprehensive and multi-platform media presence.
Aroon Purie's influence extends beyond print media. He set the journalistic style for Aaj Tak, a 24-hour Hindi news channel, and Headlines Today, an English news channel. These channels, under his guidance, became synonymous with reliable and prompt news delivery.
Purie's contributions to Indian journalism have been recognised with numerous awards and honours. In 2001, he was conferred with the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award in India, acknowledging his significant contribution to the field. Other accolades include the B.D. Goenka Award for Excellence in Journalism (1988), 'Journalist of the Year 1990' by the Indian Federation of Small and Medium Newspapers, the G.K. Reddy Memorial Award for Outstanding Contribution to Journalism (1993–1994), and the Hall of Fame Award from the Advertising Club of Kolkata (2002). His association with various councils and committees further underscores his commitment to the media industry's growth and ethical standards.
In October 2017, Aroon Purie handed over the reins of the India Today Group to his daughter, Kalli Purie, marking a transition in leadership. This strategic move aimed to ensure the group's continuity and growth in the dynamic media landscape.
Purie has weathered controversies throughout his career. In 2007, a criminal defamation case titled "Mission Misconduct" was filed against him over a report published in India Today. However, the Supreme Court quashed the case in October 2022, highlighting the resilience and commitment to journalistic integrity.
Aroon Purie faced a plagiarism controversy when CounterMedia found similarities between his editorial and an article by Grady Hendrix published in Slate. Purie promptly apologised, attributing the mistake to jet lag, and expressed regret for the oversight.
Aroon Purie's enduring influence on Indian journalism is evident in the continued success and expansion of the India Today Group. His commitment to journalistic ethics, coupled with an entrepreneurial spirit, has left an indelible mark on the media landscape, inspiring generations of journalists to uphold the highest standards of reporting and storytelling.
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