Award-winning Indian journalist Ravish Kumar has stepped down from his role at broadcaster NDTV, which is in the process of a hostile takeover by Indian billionaire Gautam Adani.
His resignation came a day after NDTV co-founders Prannoy and Radhika Roy resigned as directors of RRPR Holding, one of NDTV’s backers. On November 22, Adani Group began the process of acquiring an additional 26% stake in the broadcaster, which, following the acquisition of 29.18% stake announced in August, gives it a controlling stake of 55%.
NDTV issued a statement in August saying Adani’s move to acquire the stake was taken without first consulting the co-founders, who hold a 32.26% stake.
Founded by Prannoy and Radhika Roy in 1984, NDTV is considered one of the last media platforms in India willing to criticize the Indian government and the policies of the ruling BJP party. Adani is a close ally of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Kumar has been an outspoken critic of India’s changing media landscape and the political pressures journalists and broadcasters have faced over the past decade.
He was the subject of Vinay Shukla’s recent documentary As we watchedwhich won the Amplify Voice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival and the Cinephile Award at the Busan International Film Festival.
According to the Indian Express, NDTV president Suparna Singh said in an internal email, “Few journalists have influenced people as much as Ravish. This is reflected in its overwhelming reviews – in “the crowds it draws everywhere; in the prestigious awards and recognition it has received in India and internationally.
“Ravish has been an integral part of NDTV for decades, his contribution has been immense and we know he will be successful as he embarks on a new beginning.”
Kumar, who hosted NDTV shows including Hum Diary, Report by Ravish Key, De Ki Baat and The most viewed timewon the Ramnath Goenka Award for Excellence in Journalism twice, as well as the 2019 Ramon Magsaysay Award.