Popular journalist and News Pinch founder Abhinav Pandey revealed the motivations behind his high-profile exit from the digital news giant The Lallantop during a recent interview on the Learn By KK Create podcast.
Pandey, who spent seven years as a behind-the-scenes producer at ABP News before spending three years as a primary face of The Lallantop, shared that his departure was driven by a desire for creative freedom and the need to build something of his own.
The veteran reporter, known for his grassroots coverage across Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, launched his independent digital venture, News Pinch, in August 2025 and has already amassed over 1 million subscribers in just six months.
Pandey emphasized that his time at major media houses was crucial for his development, noting that his seven-year stint in production made him a more effective on-ground reporter.
He explained that many aspiring creators today are in too much of a hurry to become “anchors” or “faces” without understanding the rigors of storytelling.
While addressing long-standing rumours, he clarified that there was no personal rift with The Lallantop editor Saurabh Dwivedi, but rather a natural progression toward independence and the removal of institutional limitations that often govern large media organizations.
During the conversation, Pandey offered a stark defence of traditional journalism against the rising tide of Artificial Intelligence (AI). He argued that while AI can aggregate data and write scripts, it cannot replace the sensory and emotional depth required for ground reporting.
He cited his experience covering the Ahmedabad plane crash and the Mahakumbh stampede, noting that a machine cannot describe the physical “smell of burning bodies” or the visceral trauma of a disaster site.
For Pandey, journalism is an “on-foot” profession that requires physical presence and empathy, qualities he believes are essential for maintaining public trust.
Viral Controversy over TV Anchors
The News Pinch founder also addressed his viral controversies, specifically a leaked video where he used strong language to criticize mainstream television anchors.
Pandey refused to apologize for the incident, explaining it was a private practice session that was accidentally made public by his team.
He used the moment to criticize the “Hindu-Muslim” debates and sensationalism prevalent in TV news, which he refers to as “murga ladana” (fighting roosters).
He maintained that while his language was rough, it reflected a genuine frustration shared by many Indians regarding the current state of televised political discourse.
Business of Digital Journalism
On the business side of the creator economy, Pandey highlighted the financial challenges of running a high-quality news channel. Unlike lifestyle or entertainment creators who often enjoy high CPM, news channels often face demonetization or “yellow dollar” status when covering sensitive topics like crime or tragedy.
He disclosed that a single 15-day reporting trip to remote areas like Bastar can cost lakhs of rupees due to travel, equipment, and security.
To sustain News Pinch, he relies on a mix of YouTube ad revenue and transparent brand partnerships, though he maintains strict ethical boundaries against promoting betting apps or tobacco products.
Pandey’s journey reflects a growing trend in the Indian media landscape where established journalists are migrating to YouTube to bypass the gatekeeping of traditional newsrooms.
Born in Prayagraj and an alumnus of the prestigious Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), he has built a reputation for his “Janpaksh” (pro-people) stance rather than being “Nishpaksh” (neutral).
He continues to focus his coverage on the “last person” in the social hierarchy, frequently reporting from regions like Chhattisgarh and Odisha that are often ignored by national headlines.
