Sudhir Chaudhary
Sudhir Chaudhary, a name synonymous with Indian journalism, has carved a niche for himself in the dynamic and often challenging world of news reporting. As a consulting editor at the Hindi news channel Aaj Tak, he continues to leave an indelible mark on the media landscape. His estimated net worth is $4 Million.
Let's delve into the journey of this seasoned journalist.
Chaudhary's foray into television news dates back to the 1990s. He commenced his career at Zee News, then ventured into roles with Live India and Mi Marathi before making a return to Zee News. His early days were marked by live television reporting and later a transition into 24-hour news television.
Noteworthy among his assignments was his involvement in the squad covering the Vajpayee–Musharraf Indo-Pak meeting at Islamabad following the 2001 Indian Parliament attack. His dedication and commitment to reporting saw him rise through the ranks swiftly.
In 2003, Chaudhary left Zee News but continued to play a significant role in the media landscape. He played a crucial role in the launch of Sahara Samay, the Hindi-language news channel of the Sahara group. A brief stint with India TV followed.
In 2012, he returned to Zee News, where he took the helm as the editor-in-chief and CEO. During this tenure, he hosted the prime-time show Daily News & Analysis (DNA), a program that became a staple for news enthusiasts. However, his journey with Zee News had its twists and turns, as reflected in his resignation in July 2022.
Chaudhary embarked on a new chapter in his career by joining Aaj Tak post his exit from Zee News. Currently hosting Aaj Tak's prime-time show Black & White (B & W), he continues to captivate audiences with his unique style of journalism.
Chaudhary's career has not been without its share of controversies. In the infamous Jindal extortion case in 2012, he and his colleague Sameer Ahluwalia faced charges of extortion after businessman Naveen Jindal accused them of attempting to extort advertisements worth ₹100 Crore from his company. While the legal battles ensued, the journalists were released on bail.
Accusations and lawsuits continued as Chaudhary accused Trinamool MP Mahua Moitra of plagiarising a speech, leading to a criminal defamation case filed against him. Allegations of Islamophobia also surfaced following his remarks on Zee News in April 2020, where he openly accused Muslims of hindering India's coronavirus efforts.
In June 2023, Chaudhary faced criticism for falsely blaming Muslims for the destruction of a temple in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr, highlighting the challenges journalists face in the age of misinformation.
Sudhir Chaudhary's bold journalism has not come without personal risks. In 2015, due to threats against his life, he was provided X-category security. Furthermore, claims were made that China was monitoring Chaudhary in 2020, adding a geopolitical dimension to his work.
Amidst the challenges, Chaudhary's dedication to journalism has been recognised. He received the prestigious Ramnath Goenka Award for Excellence in Journalism in the "Hindi broadcast" category in 2013. The award acknowledged his interview with the friend of the Delhi December 16 gang-rape victim, showcasing the impactful nature of his reporting.
Sudhir Chaudhary's journey in Indian media reflects the highs and lows of a journalist's life. From covering historic events to facing legal battles and controversies, Chaudhary has remained a stalwart in the field. His current role at Aaj Tak underscores his resilience and unwavering commitment to journalism, making him a notable figure in the Indian media landscape.
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