Veteran journalist and news anchor Jaya Kaushik announced her departure from the premier national news network NDTV to launch her own independent digital platform, Jaya Kaushik Reports.
After a distinguished 15-year tenure with the broadcaster and more than two decades in the media industry, Kaushik is transitioning into the creator economy to provide unfiltered ground reporting and in-depth analysis.
The move marks a significant shift for the seasoned reporter, who aims to address what she describes as a growing gap between mainstream news clamour and ground-level reality.
The new venture, Jaya Kaushik Reports, will focus on civic issues, healthcare, and education while maintaining a direct dialogue with the audience without institutional filters.
Kaushik stated that her platform would prioritize the voices of citizens over the “noise” often found in contemporary television news.
She plans to utilize digital tools like remote video conferencing and direct field reporting to hold authorities accountable and provide detailed context on complex social issues.
By moving to YouTube, Kaushik is joining a growing wave of mainstream Indian journalists who are embracing the creator economy.
This shift allows veteran professionals to bypass traditional gatekeepers and own their intellectual property.
Kaushik emphasized that her new channel would serve as a democratic space for viewers to suggest topics and engage in deep-dive investigative pieces that might not fit the fast-paced cycle of traditional broadcast news.
Kaushik first joined NDTV more than a decade ago and became a recognizable face through her extensive field reporting and studio anchoring.
Throughout her career, she has been known for highlighting infrastructure problems and social welfare concerns across the country.
Her departure follows a period of significant leadership and talent changes at NDTV, which was acquired by the Adani Group in late 2022.
The journalist’s move highlights the increasing viability of independent digital journalism in India, where creators can leverage their existing personal brands to build sustainable businesses.
As of her announcement, Kaushik has invited her longtime viewers to subscribe to her digital transition and participate in the editorial direction of the new channel.
She remains committed to the core tenets of journalism while navigating the challenges of being an independent media entrepreneur.
