IBN18's Rajdeep Sardesai moves on

The editor-in-chief has decided to end his nine year long stint with Network18.

One of the most popular prime-time news anchors and the editor-in-chief of IBN18 Network, Rajdeep Sardesai has decided to move on.

He was heading the channels CNN-IBN, IBN7 and IBN-Lokmat.

The news came close on the heels of that of the exit of Sagarika Ghose, deputy editor, CNN-IBN, from the Network 18 group.

Sardesai, like Ghose, chose Twitter to announce his departure from the company. He tweeted, "After 9 wonderful years, time to move on from IBN 18. Will miss all my colleagues who made it so special."

He went on to add, "Proud of what we achieved at IBN 18. Built channels from scratch that put journalism first. Will treasure the journey."

In his 'goodbye e-mail' to his colleagues, Sardesai confessed that it's not easy to leave behind great colleagues and "a baby" that he has helped create, build and grow. "But I guess certain things in life are written in the stars. Editorial independence and integrity have been articles of faith in 26 years in journalism and maybe I am too old now to change!" he said in his farewell note.

His words remind us of the recent development in which Reliance Industries took steps to acquire controlling stake in Network18. Read our news story on the acquisition here http://www.afaqs.com/news/story/40964_Reliance-Industries-to-acquire-controlling-stake-of-Network18

The 49 year old television news personality has around 26 years of journalistic experience across print and television. Prior to setting up channels for IBN, he was managing editor of both NDTV 24X7 and NDTV India and was responsible for overseeing news policy for both channels.

In the past, Sardesai has worked with The Times of India for six years; recall that he rose to the position of city editor of the publication's Mumbai edition at the age of 26.

During the last two and a half decades, he has covered many major national and international stories. He specialised in national politics.

Sardesai has been president of the Editors Guild of India and was also chosen as a 'Global Leader for Tomorrow' by the world economic forum.

He regularly writes columns for several leading papers, and has contributed to major books, including one on the 1992-93 Mumbai riots ('Riots and after in Mumbai').

He holds a Bachelor's degree in Arts from St. Xavier's College and a couple of degrees - Master of Arts and Bachelor of Civil Law - from Oxford University.

Sardesai is passionate about cricket.