In India’s dynamic media landscape, where journalists come and go but only a few leave a lasting mark, Nikunj Garg’s departure from NDTV has become a moment of reflection for many who have followed his work over the years. After spending significant time with one of India’s most recognized news channels, Garg’s decision to move on is more than just a career switch — it’s a chapter that says much about Indian broadcast journalism, the evolution of newsrooms, and the path forward for credible journalism in the digital age.

A Trusted Face in Indian Broadcast News

For countless viewers across India, Nikunj Garg has long been a familiar name and a trusted voice. Over his years with NDTV, Garg built a reputation for sharp reporting, incisive questioning, and an ability to handle complex stories with clarity and calm.

From covering politics and governance to big breaking stories that shaped headlines for days, Garg represented a generation of journalists who believed in old-school reporting — facts first, noise later. At a time when prime-time debates often drift into theatrics, his grounded approach resonated with audiences looking for substance over spectacle.

The NDTV Legacy: A School for Many

To understand Garg’s contribution, it’s impossible not to mention the place he called home for years — New Delhi Television Ltd., better known as NDTV. For decades, NDTV has been more than a channel; it’s been an institution that shaped some of India’s finest journalists.

Founded in 1988, NDTV brought to India a brand of English-language television news that balanced credibility, calmness, and depth at a time when screaming matches and polarized debates were not yet the norm. For many young reporters, NDTV became the ideal newsroom — a place that valued good research, field reporting, and editorial integrity.

In this environment, Nikunj Garg honed his craft, working alongside veterans, learning how to chase stories, verify them meticulously, and present them without frills or bias.

Covering Stories That Mattered

Over the years, Garg’s reporting spanned some of India’s biggest moments — from elections and policy shifts to social issues that demanded a sensitive and balanced approach.

Viewers still remember his on-ground coverage during high-pressure events like election nights, Parliament sessions, or national crises. Garg was not just a news anchor delivering headlines from the studio; he was often on the field, talking to people whose voices might otherwise go unheard.

In an age of breaking news tickers and viral sound bites, Garg’s ability to pause, probe, and present facts without hyperbole won him credibility that few enjoy in today’s crowded media space.

A Time of Change at NDTV

Garg’s departure comes at an interesting moment for NDTV itself. The channel, long admired for its editorial independence, has seen significant shifts in ownership and leadership in recent years. Changes in management, new investors, and an evolving news ecosystem have brought both challenges and opportunities for a channel that once set the gold standard for broadcast journalism.

For senior journalists like Garg, these shifts often come with tough questions: What does the future hold for legacy news brands in a digital-first India? Can old formats keep pace with new consumption patterns? And most importantly, what does it mean to hold on to journalistic integrity in a climate of polarized narratives?

What Nikunj Garg Represents

Garg’s exit is not just about one individual moving on — it’s symbolic of how many in the profession are rethinking their place in India’s evolving media environment.

For years, traditional television news was the undisputed king. Families gathered around TV sets every night to watch trusted anchors explain the day’s events. But in 2025, audiences consume news differently. Short videos, digital explainers, social media clips, and newsletters have transformed how people follow current affairs.

Journalists today must adapt, reinvent, and often step out of familiar spaces to stay relevant — whether that means moving to digital-first platforms, independent ventures, or roles that blend traditional reporting with new-age storytelling.

Where Might He Go Next?

While Garg has yet to officially announce what comes next, media circles are buzzing with speculation. Will he join another established network? Will he pivot to an independent digital venture or perhaps launch his own platform?

For someone with his experience and credibility, possibilities are wide open. Many senior journalists today are experimenting with new ways to reach audiences directly — from YouTube channels and newsletters to podcasts and in-depth digital series.

Whatever he chooses, one thing seems certain: Garg is unlikely to retire quietly. His next chapter is expected to build on the same principles that defined his years at NDTV — clarity, accuracy, and a genuine respect for the audience’s right to well-researched information.

The Evolving Role of Senior Journalists

Garg’s move is also a reminder of how senior journalists today wear many hats. They’re no longer just anchors or reporters — they are mentors, editors, trainers, and sometimes entrepreneurs.

Many use their experience to help young reporters navigate the challenges of fast-paced news cycles. Others move into consulting roles, advising new platforms on content strategies. Some take up academic or policy fellowships, bringing a journalist’s eye to research and advocacy.

Given Garg’s deep understanding of governance, politics, and people’s issues, his next role might well blend journalism with a broader mission to strengthen media literacy or civic engagement.

Audience Loyalty in the Age of Short Attention Spans

If there’s one thing that seasoned journalists like Garg prove, it’s that there’s still an appetite for quality journalism — even in an era dominated by viral reels and instant commentary.

His calm, precise delivery style and emphasis on letting facts do the talking created a loyal audience segment that still values substance. This loyal viewership often follows journalists beyond platforms — from TV screens to phones, laptops, and podcasts.

This shift has empowered many senior journalists to launch independent channels, funded directly by audiences through subscriptions or donations — something that was unthinkable just a decade ago.

Why This Exit Matters

In today’s world, where headlines often spotlight newsroom exits and ownership tussles, a journalist moving on can sometimes feel routine. But when respected names like Nikunj Garg exit legacy brands like NDTV, it sparks bigger questions for India’s media watchers.

Will mainstream channels keep reinventing to match the credibility that individuals like Garg built over decades? Will new platforms step up to fill gaps if big TV brands dilute their editorial edge? And will audiences pay for trustworthy news in an era where misinformation is free and everywhere?

These questions matter because they shape how India — the world’s largest democracy — stays informed.

A Reflection on the Newsroom

Inside NDTV’s newsroom, Garg’s departure will likely be felt deeply by colleagues and younger reporters who looked up to him. His calm mentorship, clarity under pressure, and insistence on getting details right made him a newsroom anchor in every sense.

Colleagues often recall how Garg encouraged thorough research and discouraged speculation — qualities that shaped NDTV’s editorial culture for years.

What His Story Teaches Young Journalists

For aspiring journalists, Garg’s journey is a reminder that credibility doesn’t come overnight — it’s built story by story, field visit by field visit, over countless hours of verifying facts and resisting the lure of shortcuts.

It’s also a lesson that good journalism still matters — that in an age of fast clicks, people do come back for deeper, balanced, and authentic storytelling.

A Goodbye, But Not a Farewell

For viewers who tuned in every evening to watch him break down policy debates or election trends, Garg’s departure feels like losing a steady guide in a noisy news world. But if his track record is anything to go by, this is less of a farewell and more of a pivot.

Whether he’s next seen on another screen, heard through a podcast, or read through an independent platform, Nikunj Garg’s next chapter will likely build on what he did best: asking sharp questions, respecting the viewer’s intelligence, and holding power to account — without the drama.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead

Nikunj Garg’s move away from NDTV marks the end of a significant chapter for India’s broadcast news. But it also symbolizes a bigger truth — that good journalists adapt, reinvent, and stay relevant no matter how the medium changes.