Ravish Kumar, one of India’s most well-known journalists, has built a career around fearless reporting and a calm yet powerful voice on television. As a prominent figure at NDTV for many years, viewers often wonder about his financial earnings, specifically the salary of Ravish Kumar at NDTV. While exact numbers are not always disclosed publicly, a closer look at his professional background, the media industry standards in India, and his unique position within NDTV provides a useful estimate and perspective on his income during his tenure.
Background of Ravish Kumar at NDTV
Ravish Kumar joined NDTV in the mid-1990s and eventually rose through the ranks to become a Senior Executive Editor of NDTV India. He hosted popular shows like ‘Prime Time,’ ‘Ravish Ki Report,’ and ‘Des Ki Baat.’ Known for his in-depth coverage of socio-political issues and his commitment to journalism ethics, Ravish Kumar became a respected voice in Indian media. His presence on NDTV not only boosted the channel’s credibility but also increased viewership during prime-time slots.
The Role and Value of a Senior Journalist
As a senior editor and one of the most recognizable faces on Indian television, Ravish Kumar held considerable influence within the newsroom. Such roles often come with high compensation, given their contribution to the channel’s brand, ratings, and overall editorial direction. In addition to anchoring and reporting, Ravish was involved in planning content and mentoring younger journalists, all of which would contribute to his salary package.
Estimated Salary of Ravish Kumar at NDTV
While there is no official figure publicly released by NDTV or Ravish Kumar himself, various industry sources and media reports have suggested that his salary could have ranged between INR 1.5 crore to 2.5 crore per annum during his prime years at NDTV. This translates to roughly USD 180,000 to 300,000 annually, depending on the exchange rate and the specific year in question.
The salary of Ravish Kumar in NDTV likely included:
- Base monthly salary
- Performance bonuses
- Annual retention bonus (in some years)
- Perks like travel allowance, housing support, and media appearances
Comparison with Other Indian TV Journalists
To provide context, prominent TV anchors in India, such as Arnab Goswami, Rajdeep Sardesai, or Barkha Dutt, have reportedly earned in a similar or slightly higher bracket, depending on their organization and business ventures. Ravish Kumar, however, remained committed to NDTV’s public service-oriented model and was not known for chasing commercial opportunities or endorsements, which could have elevated his income further.
Non-Monetary Factors That Added to His Professional Value
Though salary is a key component, Ravish Kumar’s influence extended beyond financial earnings. His show ‘Prime Time’ consistently won awards for journalistic excellence, including the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2019. These accolades increased his visibility and credibility, potentially making him a target for headhunting by other networks or international platforms. However, his commitment to independent journalism and his loyalty to NDTV contributed to his staying longer despite opportunities for higher pay elsewhere.
Impact on Brand NDTV
During his time at NDTV, Ravish Kumar became synonymous with the channel’s Hindi news wing. His honest reporting and refusal to sensationalize content helped NDTV stand apart in an increasingly noisy and polarized news environment. This level of brand alignment often warrants a premium salary, particularly when a journalist becomes the face’ of a network and drives viewer loyalty. Therefore, even if Ravish Kumar’s salary was not the highest in the industry, it was competitive and reflective of his role.
Ravish Kumar’s Departure and Its Financial Implication
In late 2022, Ravish Kumar resigned from NDTV after the company underwent significant ownership changes. His exit came as a surprise to many viewers, and it also marked the end of an era for the channel’s editorial independence. Financially, his departure could have had an impact not only on his own income stream but also on NDTV’s viewership numbers and advertiser trust.
Post-NDTV Ventures
After leaving NDTV, Ravish Kumar started his own digital platform where he uploads videos and analysis on current affairs. While it is too early to measure the financial returns from these independent ventures, digital platforms can offer income through:
- Ad revenue from platforms like YouTube
- Membership subscriptions
- Speaking engagements and book deals
Although his salary from NDTV might no longer be applicable, the brand value and credibility he built over the years continue to generate financial opportunities today.
What Determines a Journalist’s Salary in India?
The salary of a journalist in India depends on various factors such as:
- Experience and seniority
- Role within the organization (anchor, editor, reporter)
- Channel revenue and advertiser support
- Public visibility and brand value
- Ability to generate viewership
Ravish Kumar ticked most of these boxes, and therefore it is fair to assume that he earned a salary at the upper end of the media pay scale while at NDTV.
Other Sources of Income for Ravish Kumar
In addition to his NDTV salary, Ravish Kumar has authored several books in Hindi and English, which may provide ongoing royalty income. He has also participated in lectures and academic panels in India and abroad, which often come with honorariums. These income streams would supplement his overall financial position beyond his main salary at NDTV.
The salary of Ravish Kumar in NDTV has long been a subject of public curiosity, especially given his prominence and influence in Indian journalism. While exact figures remain confidential, estimates suggest he earned between INR 1.5 crore to 2.5 crore per year during his peak years at the channel. This figure reflects not just his broadcasting talent but also his ability to connect with audiences through honest and impactful reporting. Though he has since moved on from NDTV, his financial worth and professional legacy remain strong, powered by credibility, audience trust, and a commitment to journalistic ethics.