5 Indian Journalists Who Set Benchmarks in the Field of Journalism

Journalism is often considered the fourth pillar of democracy, which serves a public trust rendered as informing, educating, and holding power accountable. It has seen many eminent personalities in India who made their mark in journalism through their gallantry, integrity, and professionalism. Apart from known news-reporting, these journalists make changes in society, raise tough questions, and break stories that the nation deeply feels. Here are five Indian journalists who have set the benchmark in journalism.

1. Rajdeep Sardesai

Rajdeep Sardesai is considered one of the most respected and most-impact generating journalists of India. Starting off as a newcomer to the journalism field in The Times of India, he later switched to the television industry, where he made an entry into NDTV 24x7. He has worked for several decades and has covered some of the most significant events in the history of India, including the Bombay riots, Kargil, and general election shows.

The anchor and news editor's stint at CNN-IBN which is now called CNN-News18 assured his emergence as one of the most outstanding journalists in the country. Sardesai has created benchmarks in political reporting, interviews of the powerful people, and debates in which both sides are held accountable to the government and the opposition. The 2014 Indian general elections are the theme of his book '2014: The Election That Changed India,' which has consolidated his position in political journalism.

2. Barkha Dutt

Barkha Dutt is one of the most popular female journalists in the country, recognized widely for her intense and fearless reporting and her acute insight into national as well as international affairs. Her most famous coverage was for the Kargil War in 1999, when she became among the first journalists to report live from the frontline. Ground reports from conflict zones, natural disasters, or political revolutions have set new benchmarks that can be compared to the rest of India.

Dutt has spent over three years in the lives of people where she has narrated events, incidents, and happenings that have been the cornerstones of public debate on many socio-political matters. As the senior journalist at NDTV, the face of the program ’We the People,’ one of the very famous talk shows which brought the people of the country into debates on national issues, she has left an indelible mark on the history of media. The book 'This Unquiet Land: Stories from India's Fault Lines is based on the tales of ordinary men in the larger issues associated with India. She won two prestigious awards among many in 2008. Padma Shri and the Indian News Broadcasting Award for the Most Intelligent News Show Host.

3. Prannoy Roy

Prannoy Roy is hailed as one of India's finest individuals in the area of television news. He founded the news channel NDTV in 1988 and went ahead to redefine Indian journalism by in-depth analysis with detailed news reporting. With his glorious face now associated with the iconic NDTV, Roy is excellent in political reporting, investigative journalism, or making current affairs easily accessible to people.

Roy's contribution to journalism is not just limited to his editorial work but extends further into the presentation of complex issues in such a manner that the widest possible audience can connect with them. Iconic among such shows as 'The World This Week' and 'Question Time,' He was to the point with events and issues such as those of the economic reforms of the 1990s, the Pokhran nuclear tests, the Gujarat riots in 2002 among others. His dedication to the tenets of journalism and his search for facts without fear or favor set new standards for generations of journalists going forward.

4. Arnab Goswami

Arnab Goswami is a well-known name in Indian television media. His style of reporting and fierce debates earned him fame in journalism. He introduced news broadcasting to an all-new level with his primetime show The Newshour on Times Now. Always eager to engage in controversial discussions, often at high-pitched decibels with public personalities makes him one of the most admired media personalities in India. He has stood up for women and fought with politicians who have made regressive remarks.

He is famed for breaking almost all major news stories and for not being afraid to ask tough questions. His bold and fearless image as a journalist has been bolstered through active involvement in the coverage of the Mumbai terrorist attacks, the investigation regarding the 2G scam, and reporting on national security issues. However, Arnab has received a lot of flak as many love to hate him. Critics have dubbed his show less discourse and more yelling and accused him of being impolite and discourteous.

5. Mayanti Langer

Mayanti Langer is among the best-known Indian sports journalists and television presenters as regards sports broadcasting. She has worked with the leading sports networks of India like Star Sports and ESPN. She would be famous particularly for her presentation towards the Indian Premier League, FIFA World Cup, and ICC Cricket World Cup.

Langar's media career started after she completed her degree in English and Journalism at the University of Delhi. Her calm attitude and knowledge about sports earned her respect in the field. Mayanti is also known for her closeness to popular cricket name Stuart Binny, whom she married in 2012. Outside her commentating ability, she has been appreciated for smashing stereotypes of the male-dominated field in sports journalism. Indeed, Mayanti becomes an unrivaled figure in the sports media of an Indian.

They have been serving and contributing to Indian journalism too much and have set standards for professional and ethical reporting and survival against hardships. These five are great inspirations to all the young generations who desire to become journalists. Rajdeep Sardesai, Arnab Goswami, Barkha Dutt, Prannoy Roy, and Mayanti Langer. Each has an important role in shaping the country's media world at large. Investigative reporting, political commentary or human interest pieces, they proved to have imprinted their names in the profession and challenged coming generations toward the values of truth, fairness, and accountability.