A fascinating contest is unfolding in Hindi news prime time, and at the heart of it stands one of the genre’s most influential faces — veteran journalist Sushant Sinha.
Over the past few years, Sinha has emerged as a pioneer of explainer-led journalism in Hindi television, building a loyal audience through his ability to break down complex issues using facts, context, and sharp analysis. Today, his new beginning is set to compete directly with the very brand he helped build.
While Sushant Sinha is starting a fresh chapter with “Desh Ki Paathshala” on News18 India, Times Now Navbharat has entrusted its popular “News Ki Paathshala” franchise to senior journalist Rubika Liyaquat. The irony isn’t lost on industry observers: Sushant Sinha is widely credited with popularising “News Ki Paathshala” and turning it into a recognisable appointment-viewing property for Hindi news audiences. Now, his new “Paathshala” will go head-to-head with his old one.
News18 India launched “Desh Ki Paathshala” on June 16, 2026, with Sushant Sinha at the helm. Airing simultaneously on television, connected TV (CTV), and YouTube at 8:50 pm, the show is being positioned as an alternative to conventional prime-time debates. The format promises explainer-driven journalism built around data, facts, graphics, and in-depth analysis.
Sushant Sinha remains one of the few Hindi television journalists to command both a strong broadcast presence and a massive digital following. His videos consistently garner millions of views, while his social media footprint continues to expand.
Shows such as “News Ki Paathshala” and “Rashtragarv” helped shape his distinctive identity in the Hindi news ecosystem. Over a career spanning nearly two decades, he has also worked with leading media organisations including India TV, NDTV India, News24, India News, and Times Now Navbharat.
On the other side, Times Now Navbharat is preparing to reinvent its own “News Ki Paathshala.” Following Sushant Sinha’s departure, speculation had been rife over who would inherit one of the channel’s most recognisable prime-time formats. The network has now placed its bet on Rubika Liyaquat.
Times Network recently appointed Liyaquat as Senior Executive Editor and Vice President (Special Projects). Beginning June 17, she will take charge of “News Ki Paathshala.” An established name in Hindi television journalism, Rubika brings extensive experience in political reporting and prime-time anchoring, having worked with organisations such as Network18 India, ABP News, Zee News, News24, Bharat24, and Live India.
Yet, the most compelling aspect of this battle remains Sushant Sinha’s new innings. The intrigue extends beyond a simple channel switch. It is also about the audience loyalty he has cultivated over the years. Media industry observers frequently cite Sushant Sinha among the early proponents of bringing the explainer format into mainstream Hindi prime time and making it commercially viable.
In many ways, this isn’t merely a contest between two anchors or two channels. It reflects a broader shift in Hindi television news.
For years, prime time was dominated by loud debates, political slugfests, and confrontational formats. Increasingly, however, viewers appear to be gravitating toward content that seeks to explain rather than merely argue. Data-led storytelling, visual presentation, research, and context are assuming greater importance.
Both “Desh Ki Paathshala” and “News Ki Paathshala” embody this transition. While each promises to simplify complex news stories for viewers, Sushant Sinha’s deep association with the format and his established audience base could give him an early advantage.
Ultimately, viewers will decide which “Paathshala” earns their loyalty. But one thing is already clear: this latest battle in Hindi prime time revolves largely around Sushant Sinha’s next act.
Prime time may no longer be defined by a clash of debate versus debate. Instead, the emerging contest is one of explainer versus explainer — and in that battle, all eyes will be on the journalist who helped give the format its widest recognition.
Read more news about Television Media, Digital Media, Advertising India, Marketing News, PR and Corporate Communication News
News18 India launches ‘Desh Ki Pathshala’ with Sushant Sinha
Sushant Sinha’s possible News18 entry sparks prime-time power shift buzz
India TV, News18 India rejig prime time as battle for viewers intensifies
Sushant Sinha to exit Times Now Navbharat, likely to join Network18
Rubika Liyaquat appointed Senior Executive Editor at Times Now Navbharat
Pratyush Khare to host Zee News’ Taal Thok Ke & Deshhit
e4m News Confirmed: Rubika Liyaquat joins Times Network team
Rubika Liyaquat quits News18 India
Birthday Spotlight: Rubika Liyaquat’s rise as a fearless TV news anchor
Hindi journalism in the digital era: Challenges and opportunities – Shamsher Singh
Broadcasters urge MIB to revisit ad-cap rules, cite digital disruption & market realities
Anthropic restrictions expose a new risk: AI dependency
Our annual marketing spend remains above Rs 100 crore: Ravi Chawla, Gulf Oil
YouGov Indian Cricket Fandom Report 2026: Cricket, fandom and brand influence
Bidisha Nagaraj exits Schneider Electric as Global VP Marketing – Home & Distribution
'Pathshaala' showdown in Hindi Prime Time: Sushant Sinha vs Rubika Liyaquat
How experience marketing is redefining creator influence
Campa’s Second Innings: How a forgotten brand found its way back?
Global ad revenue to grow 8.9% by end of 2026: WPP Media
Jeff Thomas moves on from McCann Worldgroup India
Reshmi Rema joins L&T Realty as Manager – PR & External Communications
Prabhu Chawla on the 'awesome foursome' of South India
Fox to acquire streaming platform Roku in $22 billion deal
Beyond GenAI: The new AI debate heading to Cannes Lions
Seema Kumar appointed Director – Field Engineering at Databricks
'Pathshaala' showdown in Hindi Prime Time: Sushant Sinha vs Rubika Liyaquat
36 minutes ago
How experience marketing is redefining creator influence
43 minutes ago
Campa’s Second Innings: How a forgotten brand found its way back?
1 hour ago
Global ad revenue to grow 8.9% by end of 2026: WPP Media
1 hour ago
Jeff Thomas moves on from McCann Worldgroup India
15 hours ago
SEE MORE
Broadcasters urge MIB to revisit ad-cap rules, cite digital disruption & market realities
1 hour ago
Anthropic restrictions expose a new risk: AI dependency
49 minutes ago
Our annual marketing spend remains above Rs 100 crore: Ravi Chawla, Gulf Oil
42 minutes ago
YouGov Indian Cricket Fandom Report 2026: Cricket, fandom and brand influence
19 hours ago
Bidisha Nagaraj exits Schneider Electric as Global VP Marketing – Home & Distribution
1 hour ago
SEE MORE
Infosys gives enterprise AI a face with Leon, its new brand mascot
1 week ago
Nora Fatehi unveils FIFA World Cup 2026 song ‘Siir Siir’, to perform at opening ceremony
1 week ago
FIFA World Cup 2026: Z awards public viewing rights to partners
5 days ago
From Waka Waka to Dai Dai: The FIFA World Cup songs that conquered the world
3 days ago
Darshana Shah quits as Chief Marketing Officer of Aditya Birla Capital
1 week ago
SEE MORE
exchange4media was set up in year 2000 with the aim of publishing niche, relevant and quality publications for the marketing, advertising and media professionals.
ADSERT WEB SOLUTIONS PVT. LTD. 3'rd Floor, D-40, Sector-2, Noida (Uttar Pradesh), Pincode – 201301
Connect With Us !
25000+ Industry Leaders already read it everyday
By clicking Sign Up, I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Leave a Reply