New Delhi: In a leadership realignment at CNN-News18, the network has announced changes to its top editorial positions, according to an internal mail communication circulated within Network18.
CNN-News18, which has held its position as India’s No. 1 English news channel for nearly four years, is undergoing a transition that reflects both its growth trajectory and evolving editorial priorities. The channel credited its sustained leadership to the values of fairness, accuracy and integrity that have shaped its journalism.
Zakka Jacob, who has been at the helm as Managing Editor and is widely acknowledged for shaping the channel’s balanced editorial identity, is stepping back from managerial responsibilities to refocus on his core journalistic work. As per the internal communication, he will take on the role of Senior Anchor and Group Foreign Affairs Editor, continuing in the Managing Editor grade. In this capacity, Jacob will anchor programmes across multiple platforms beyond CNN-News18.
The internal note also announced that Rahul Shivshankar, the veteran journalist and host of the 9 pm prime-time show The Hard Facts, will assume leadership of CNN-News18’s newsroom operations as Editorial Affairs Director. Shivshankar, known for his energy, curiosity and editorial experience, has previously led several major television newsrooms. All key teams — including input, output, production and off-platform units — will now report to him.
Both Jacob and Shivshankar will begin their new roles starting Monday, the communication stated.
