Prannoy Roy
Prannoy Lal Roy, a name synonymous with the evolution of Indian television journalism, was born on 15th October 1949 in Calcutta, West Bengal. His multifaceted career as an economist, chartered accountant, psephologist, journalist, and author has left an indelible mark on the Indian media landscape. His estimated net worth is Rs. 31.3 Cr.
Roy's lineage is adorned with achievers: his father, P. L. "Hurricane" Roy, an executive at a multinational corporation, and his grandfather, Paresh Lal Roy, recognised as the "father of Indian boxing." With familial ties to suffragist Lolita Roy and flying ace Indra Lal Roy, Prannoy Roy was destined for greatness. His formative years at The Doon School in Dehradun laid the foundation for a remarkable journey.
Prannoy and Radhika Roy, his future wife, moved to London for higher education. His academic prowess earned him a scholarship at Haileybury and Imperial Service College. Graduating with first-class honours in economics from the Queen Mary University of London, he later became a certified chartered accountant and a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.
Returning to India, Prannoy pursued a Ph.D. in agricultural economics from the Delhi School of Economics, delving into his passion for election results. His collaboration with David Butler and Ashok Lahiri in the 1980s aimed to mainstream psephology in India. Their work produced insightful books, establishing Roy as an election analyst for India Today magazine.
In 1984, Prannoy Roy's foresight led to the founding of New Delhi Television Ltd (NDTV). Initially conceived as a production firm, NDTV evolved into India's first independent 24x7 news channel, marking a significant milestone in the country's media history.
While Radhika Roy spearheaded NDTV, Prannoy's role as a news presenter solidified his status as the face of the channel. The 1989 Indian general election marked NDTV's entry into election results coverage. However, the journey wasn't without hurdles. Legal battles and accusations surfaced, with the Central Bureau of Investigation filing cases against Prannoy Roy and others. The protracted conflict concluded in 2013 with their acquittal, affirming no evidence of wrongdoing.
Despite facing government pressure, NDTV continued its critical reporting. The Roys' resilience and commitment to journalistic integrity were evident when the government attempted to ban NDTV India in 2016. In 2017, CBI raids on their residence sparked protests, highlighting concerns about press freedom.
Prannoy Roy's intellectual contributions extend beyond journalism. His collaboration with psephologist Dorab Sopariwala resulted in the book "The Verdict: Decoding India’s Elections" in 2019, offering insights into India's electoral dynamics.
Recent years saw legal challenges, with SEBI imposing fines on the Roys in 2020. However, their appeal led to a stay order. The saga continued, with Prannoy and Radhika Roy selling a significant stake to the Adani Group in December 2022, marking a new chapter for NDTV.
Prannoy Roy's academic achievements include the Leverhulme Trust (UK) Fellowship and the Queen Mary Prize. In 2015, he received the Red Ink Award for lifetime achievement from the Mumbai Press Club, acknowledging his consistent and pioneering contribution to news television.
Prannoy Roy's journey, characterised by resilience, innovation, and a commitment to journalistic principles, has undoubtedly left an indelible imprint on the Indian media landscape. As the media industry continues to evolve, his legacy as a trailblazer and visionary remains unparalleled.
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