In today’s digital-first world, journalism is no longer limited to TV studios or newspaper columns. The new-age journalist is dynamic, social-media-savvy, and deeply connected with the pulse of the nation. If you’re someone who values credible reporting, fearless questioning, and engaging storytelling, you need to follow these journalist influencers who are shaping India’s public discourse in 2025.
We’ve curated the top 6 journalist influencers in India whose online presence, thought leadership, and commitment to truth make them standout voices today.
1. Ravish Kumar – The Voice of the People
Ravish Kumar isn’t just a journalist he’s a movement. Known for his calm demeanor, in-depth reporting, and fearless critique of power, Ravish rose to fame during his tenure at NDTV with shows like Prime Time, Hum Log, and Des Ki Baat. In 2019, he was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award, often considered Asia’s Nobel Prize, for “harnessing journalism to give voice to the voiceless.”
Post-NDTV, Ravish started his independent YouTube channel, which has now grown to over 13.2 million subscribers. His videos regularly garner millions of views, proving that honest journalism still resonates deeply in India.
2. Arnab Goswami – The Debate Dynamo
If Ravish Kumar is the calm in the storm, Arnab Goswami is the storm itself. As the Editor-in-Chief of Republic Media Network, Arnab has redefined news debates in India. His shows The Debate and Nation Wants to Know are known for their electrifying, no-holds-barred discussions that keep viewers hooked.
Arnab’s influence on Indian television is unmatched. Though often controversial, his bold style has carved out a niche audience that values nationalism and aggressive journalism. With millions tuning in daily, he remains one of the most watched and talked-about figures in Indian media.
3. Karan Thapar – The Master Interviewer
When it comes to asking hard-hitting, intelligent questions with grace, Karan Thapar is a master. A Cambridge-educated journalist with decades of experience, Karan has helmed shows like Devil’s Advocate, Face to Face, and To The Point. His interviews are famous for being probing, polite, and impactful.
Karan has grilled everyone from Manmohan Singh to Shah Rukh Khan. Even Narendra Modi walked out of an interview with him in 2007 an iconic moment that highlights Karan’s fearlessness in the face of power. Today, his work is mostly seen on The Wire, where his interviews attract serious viewers interested in truth and analysis.
4. Neha Dixit – The Voice for the Marginalized
Neha Dixit is an award-winning investigative journalist who focuses on gender, caste, and social justice. Her deeply reported stories have uncovered human trafficking, caste-based discrimination, and institutional abuse. Her fearless work has appeared in top outlets like The Wire, Outlook, Al Jazeera, and New York Times.
In a world where investigative journalism is increasingly under threat, Neha stands out as a beacon of truth. She has won several prestigious awards, including the Chameli Devi Jain Award for Outstanding Woman Media Person and the CPJ International Press Freedom Award.
5. Shaili Chopra – Champion of Women’s Voices
A former business journalist with NDTV and ETNOW, Shaili Chopra transitioned from newsrooms to entrepreneurship when she founded SheThePeople.TV – India’s largest digital platform for women. Shaili has authored four books and won the Ramnath Goenka Award for Excellence in Business Journalism.
Through SheThePeople, she has told over 50,000 stories of Indian women in leadership, entrepreneurship, social impact, and personal growth. From video interviews to social campaigns, Shaili is redefining how women’s stories are told in India.
6. Akash Banerjee (The Deshbhakt) – India’s Political Satirist
Akash Banerjee has reimagined journalism through political satire. A former radio jockey and journalist, he runs the hugely popular YouTube channel The Deshbhakt, which combines humor with hard-hitting political commentary. His satirical alter-ego “Bhakt Banerjee” has become a cultural icon among Gen Z and millennial audiences.
Akash’s content is smart, funny, and educational. He’s especially popular among young urban viewers who prefer their politics with a dose of irony. With over 5 million YouTube subscribers, Akash is one of India’s top political content creators in 2025.
Why These Influencers Matter in 2025
These journalists aren’t just media personalities—they are public watchdogs, culture shapers, and digital storytellers. Here’s why they matter:
- Digital-first reach: Together, they command tens of millions of followers across YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter.
- Authenticity: They speak truth to power—even when it’s inconvenient.
- Recognition: From Magsaysay to Ramnath Goenka, they’ve earned national and international awards.
- Social impact: Their stories highlight issues that mainstream media often ignores.
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