Sudhir Chaudhary, one of India’s most recognized news anchors and journalists, resigned from his position as Editor-in-Chief and CEO of Zee News in July 2022, concluding nearly a decade-long association with the media company. Officially, his resignation was attributed to his desire to start his own enterprise, leveraging his extensive fan following and journalistic experience. This decision was conveyed in his resignation letter to Zee Media Chairman Subhash Chandra, where he expressed that his new venture, if successful, would make Chandra proud and happy.
However, behind this official narrative, there was more complex reasoning. Multiple insider sources revealed a power struggle within Zee News, especially involving the entry of Rajnish Ahuja as Chief Content Officer. Chaudhary reportedly felt sidelined and uncomfortable with the sharing of his authority, as new parallel structures within the newsroom diluted his influence. This created an imbalance that contributed to his decision to leave. Furthermore, internal reports indicated that Subhash Chandra himself was displeased with Chaudhary’s increasing personal brand overshadowing the company brand, causing further tension.
There was also speculation that Chandra’s recent loss in a Rajya Sabha election had influenced editorial changes in Zee News bulletins, moving towards a neutral tone which conflicted with Sudhir Chaudhary’s style and positioning. This political and personal dynamic added to the strained atmosphere leading to his resignation.
After leaving Zee News, Sudhir Chaudhary joined Aaj Tak as Consulting Editor, where he hosted the popular show “Black & White,” yet he resigned from Aaj Tak in April 2025. This departure was motivated by his wish to join DD News, India’s national public broadcaster, to contribute to public service journalism and play a larger role in nation-building. This shift exemplifies his career evolution towards public service-oriented media platforms.
In summary, Sudhir Chaudhary left Zee News due to a combination of his entrepreneurial aspirations, internal power struggles, and shifting corporate dynamics. His subsequent career moves to Aaj Tak and then DD News reflect his ongoing commitment to impactful journalism on varied platforms.
Summary Table:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Reason | Desire to start own media venture |
| Internal Reasons | Power struggles, share of authority diluted, sidelining |
| Chairman’s View | Concern over individual branding over company branding |
| Political Influence | Editorial changes post Chairman’s electoral loss |
| Subsequent Career Moves | Joined Aaj Tak (2022), left in 2025 for DD News |
This comprehensive timeline highlights the complexities behind Chaudhary’s departure from Zee News and his continuing influence in Indian journalism.
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