In a move that’s making waves across India’s media circles, Sonal Pateria, one of the country’s most fearless and beloved young journalists, might be joining News Pinch, a fast-growing digital news platform run by her former colleagues from The Lallantop.
Known for her fearless ground reporting and emotional storytelling, Sonal’s arrival signals a reunion that many in the digital news community have been waiting for.
Her decision to join News Pinch is not just a career shift; it’s a full-circle moment. For Pateria, who has spent years shaping the way digital journalism connects with real people, the move represents both a homecoming and a new beginning in a landscape that is hungry for truth and transparency.
Sonal began her journalism journey at TV9, where she first made her mark covering stories on gender, politics, and social justice. Her early reports were defined by depth and empathy, quickly earning her a reputation as a journalist who doesn’t just report news; she listens, questions, and connects.
But it was her time at The Lallantop that truly catapulted her to national fame. Here, Sonal became a household name, anchoring and producing viral stories that blended authenticity with courage.
Her now-iconic Chandrayaan schoolboy interview and her hit segment “म्याऊं” showcased her ability to bring heart to hard news. Her work at The Lallantop earned her the Laadli Media Award in 2022 for gender-sensitive reporting, cementing her reputation as one of the few young journalists who could balance emotional depth with sharp inquiry.
After leaving The Lallantop, Sonal joined Jist as Senior Reporter, where she continued to tackle complex political and social stories with grace and grit. In 2023, her efforts were recognised again when she received the “Journalism for Peace” Award from MIT-World Peace University, alongside another Laadli Award for reportage.
Her time at Jist further reinforced her identity as a ground reporter who prefers the dust of real streets over the comfort of studio lights.
Her track record of capturing the human side of politics and social movements fits perfectly with News Pinch’s editorial mission, to go “beyond headlines” and deliver ground-level perspectives on India’s changing realities.
Sonal’s name is often linked with boldness, whether it’s her fearless confrontation during the viral Noida cab harassment incident in 2024, or her unflinching commitment to covering sensitive topics like gender bias and press freedom. Her reporting style, direct, emotional, and fearless, has won her both fans and critics, but above all, respect.
Contrary to some online speculation, Sonal’s exit from The Lallantop was not due to disputes or disagreements. Verified interviews and public statements confirm that she left on good terms, maintaining close ties with her former colleagues.
Her move to News Pinch is entirely by choice, driven by her need for greater editorial freedom and a desire to tell stories that matter in an increasingly polarised media environment. People seem to be very excited about the comments on her Instagram post with News Pinch founders.
