A Pioneer in Independent Television Journalism

Prannoy Roy, co-founder of NDTV, is one of India’s most influential journalists, credited with revolutionizing television journalism. His sharp election analysis, unbiased reporting, and commitment to high journalistic standards made NDTV a household name in India’s media landscape.

With his background in econometrics and chartered accountancy, Roy brought data-driven journalism to Indian news coverage, setting a gold standard for election forecasting and investigative reporting.

Early Life and Education: A Foundation in Economics

Born on October 15, 1949, Prannoy Roy had an academic upbringing, with his father working in the Indian Railways and his mother as an educationist. His strong educational background included:

• A degree in Economics from Queen Mary College, University of London.
• A Ph.D. in Economics from the Delhi School of Economics, specializing in econometrics (statistical methods applied to economic data).

His expertise in data interpretation and analysis would later become his signature strength in television journalism.

Early Career: From Economist to Television Journalist

Before entering journalism, Roy worked as a chartered accountant and consultant for organizations like the World Bank and the Indian government. However, his passion for data analysis and political trends led him to television.

In the 1980s, he became India’s go-to election analyst, providing:

• Groundbreaking election forecasts for Doordarshan.
• Data-driven insights into voting trends that made complex political patterns understandable.
• A new, analytical approach to television journalism.

His accurate predictions and engaging presentation style earned him national recognition, laying the foundation for his future in broadcast journalism.

The Birth of NDTV: India’s First Private News Network

In 1988, Prannoy Roy, along with his wife Radhika Roy, founded New Delhi Television (NDTV)—India’s first private news production company. Initially producing news content for Doordarshan, NDTV eventually expanded into a full-fledged independent news network.

Key Milestones in NDTV’s Growth:

• 1998 – NDTV partnered with Star India to launch India’s first 24-hour news channel.
• 2003 – NDTV became independent, launching NDTV 24×7 (English) and NDTV India (Hindi).
• Introduced ethical, investigative journalism at a time when Indian TV news was still developing.

Under Roy’s leadership, NDTV became synonymous with in-depth analysis, credible reporting, and high journalistic integrity.

How Prannoy Roy Transformed Indian Journalism

Roy’s impact on Indian journalism can be seen in several ways:

1. Election Coverage & Data-Driven Journalism

• NDTV’s election analysis, led by Roy, became India’s most trusted election forecasting model.
• His ability to simplify complex voting patterns made political coverage more engaging and accessible.

2. Breaking Doordarshan’s Monopoly

• Before NDTV, Doordarshan was the only major news broadcaster in India.
• NDTV challenged the government-controlled news narrative, making way for independent journalism.

3. Pioneering Investigative Journalism

• NDTV, under Roy, exposed major corruption scandals, governance failures, and corporate frauds.
• He emphasized in-depth storytelling over sensationalism, setting a benchmark for TV news.

4. Promoting Ethical & Credible Reporting

• At a time when TV news was evolving, Roy focused on accuracy, credibility, and balanced reporting.
• NDTV became one of India’s most respected news organizations, often standing against political and corporate pressure.

Challenges and Controversies

Despite NDTV’s success, Roy and his network faced intense challenges:

• Political & Financial Pressures – NDTV was often targeted by regulatory agencies, seen as an attempt to curb independent journalism.
• Legal Battles – The network faced multiple financial investigations, including tax raids.
• Adani Group Takeover (2022) – The Adani Group acquired a significant stake in NDTV, leading to Prannoy and Radhika Roy resigning from their leadership roles, marking the end of their direct involvement in the network.

Legacy: The Enduring Influence of Prannoy Roy

Despite stepping down from NDTV, Roy’s influence on Indian journalism remains significant. His contributions include:

• Inspiring new generations of journalists to prioritize ethical reporting over sensationalism.
• Setting industry benchmarks for political coverage, election analysis, and investigative journalism.
• Continuing to engage in public discourse through books, columns, and independent analysis.

His work has shaped the way Indians consume news, analyze politics, and engage with democracy.

Conclusion: A Journalist Who Changed the Face of Indian News

Prannoy Roy is not just a journalist—he is a media visionary who transformed television news in India. His commitment to unbiased journalism, sharp election analysis, and fearless reporting reshaped the industry, making independent news channels a reality in the country.

Even in an era of political and corporate pressures on media, Roy’s legacy of ethical journalism continues to inspire. His impact will be felt for years to come, ensuring that independent, credible news remains at the heart of Indian democracy.