In a major development in India’s digital media landscape, journalist and television anchor Palki Sharma has stepped down from her role as Managing Editor of Firstpost, a Network18-owned news platform. Sharma, one of the most prominent faces in Indian English news journalism, is set to launch her own independent media venture, marking a new chapter in her nearly two-and-a-half-decade-long career.

The leadership change was formally communicated to Firstpost employees during an internal town hall meeting on Thursday evening, followed by an official email from Santosh Menon, Chief Content Officer for Network18’s digital operations. Multiple industry sources later confirmed the transition, which includes several senior editorial appointments within the Network18 group.

Leadership Transition Announced Internally

According to sources familiar with the development, Santosh Menon informed employees that Palki Sharma would be stepping down from her position as Managing Editor but would continue with the company until March, ensuring a smooth transition.

In his internal memo, Menon wrote, “It is with a heavy heart that I share an important leadership update at Firstpost. After a remarkable tenure as Managing Editor, Palki Sharma has decided to step down.”

The communication acknowledged Sharma’s significant contributions to Firstpost and confirmed that senior journalist Binoy Prabhakar has been appointed as the new Chief Content Officer (CCO) of Firstpost, while Rakesh Rai, currently Executive Editor at Firstpost, will take over as Managing Editor of News18.com.

Palki Sharma Addresses Firstpost Team

Following Menon’s announcement, Palki Sharma herself addressed Firstpost employees at his request. Reflecting on her three-year stint with the digital platform, Sharma confirmed her decision to step away from her editorial leadership role in order to pursue an entrepreneurial path.

According to people present at the meeting, Sharma described the decision as a difficult but deliberate one, underscoring her desire to build something new after years of working within large media organisations. While she did not reveal specific details about her upcoming venture, she made it clear that she intends to remain deeply engaged with journalism and global affairs.

A Transformational Tenure at Firstpost

Palki Sharma joined Firstpost in early 2023, following a high-profile exit from Zee Media’s international news channel WION. At Firstpost, a Network18 digital property, she quickly became the editorial face of the platform’s international coverage.

One of her most significant contributions was the launch of the prime-time global affairs show, Vantage. Under her leadership, the programme emerged as one of the most-watched daily international news shows in India’s digital ecosystem.

In his memo, Santosh Menon highlighted Sharma’s editorial impact, stating that she played a “vital role” in shaping the platform’s global news identity.

“During her time with Firstpost, Palki played a vital role in launching our prime-time show, Vantage, and contributed significantly to shaping its editorial tone. She anchored the show with clarity, insight, and an unwavering commitment to presenting global news through an Indian lens, earning widespread acclaim,” he wrote.

Beyond her on-air presence, Sharma was also instrumental in building a strong editorial team, setting high newsroom standards, and fostering what colleagues described as a culture of journalistic rigour and professionalism.

Strengthening Firstpost’s Global Voice

Under Sharma’s editorial leadership, Firstpost significantly expanded its international coverage, particularly on geopolitics, global power shifts, and India’s place in world affairs. The platform developed a distinctive editorial voice that resonated strongly with digital audiences seeking global news framed through Indian perspectives.

This strategic positioning resulted in substantial growth across Firstpost’s digital platforms, including its website and YouTube channel. Industry observers credit Sharma’s credibility and presentation style for helping Firstpost compete more effectively in the crowded digital news space.

Appointment of Binoy Prabhakar as Chief Content Officer

As part of the leadership transition, Network18 appointed Binoy Prabhakar as the new Chief Content Officer of Firstpost. Prabhakar is a veteran journalist with over 25 years of editorial experience across some of India’s most prominent media organisations.

In his announcement, Menon described Prabhakar as a “highly seasoned editor” with a strong track record at Hindustan Times, The Economic Times, The Indian Express, and Network18 platforms such as Moneycontrol and CNBCTV18.com.

“Binoy brings deep editorial expertise and a proven track record in building and leading digital news operations. He joins us as Chief Content Officer of Firstpost to guide and strengthen our editorial direction during the next exciting phase of the brand,” Menon noted.

Prabhakar’s appointment signals Network18’s intent to maintain editorial continuity while evolving Firstpost’s content strategy in a fast-changing digital news environment.

Rakesh Rai Elevated to Managing Editor, News18.com

Alongside Prabhakar’s appointment, Rakesh Rai, who currently serves as Executive Editor at Firstpost, has been promoted to Managing Editor of News18.com, another key digital platform within the Network18 portfolio.

The move reflects broader editorial restructuring across the group as it prepares for the next phase of growth following Sharma’s departure from Firstpost’s leadership.

A Career Marked by High-Profile Roles

Palki Sharma’s decision to step down from Firstpost comes after a distinguished career spanning nearly 25 years in journalism. Over the years, she has worked with several leading organisations, including ITV Network, Network18, Doordarshan News, and The Hindustan Times.

She rose to national and international prominence during her tenure at WION, where she anchored the widely followed global affairs programme Gravitas. Her articulate presentation style and sharp geopolitical analysis earned her a strong following in India and abroad.

Controversial Exit from WION and Legal Battle

Before joining Network18, Sharma’s departure from WION in 2022 attracted significant attention. On September 2, 2022, after spending five-and-a-half years with the channel, she announced her exit on X (formerly Twitter).

However, Zee Media subsequently initiated legal action against her, alleging that she had failed to serve the mandatory 90-day notice period required under company policy. The case escalated to the Delhi High Court, which in November 2022 refused to restrain Sharma from joining or continuing employment with Network18.

The court’s decision effectively cleared the way for her transition to Firstpost, where she went on to play a defining role in shaping the platform’s international news identity.

What Lies Ahead for Palki Sharma

While details of Sharma’s upcoming venture remain under wraps, multiple reports suggest that she plans to launch her own platform, potentially focusing on international affairs, geopolitics, and long-form journalism.

Her decision aligns with a broader trend of senior journalists moving toward independent digital ventures, seeking editorial autonomy and direct audience engagement. Given her established credibility and loyal audience base, industry watchers expect her next project to generate significant interest.

A Pivotal Moment for Firstpost and Indian Digital Media

Palki Sharma’s exit marks the end of a transformative phase for Firstpost, during which the platform strengthened its global news positioning and expanded its digital reach. At the same time, Network18’s leadership reshuffle—with Binoy Prabhakar stepping in as Chief Content Officer—signals continuity and renewed focus as the brand enters its next chapter.

As Sharma prepares to embark on her entrepreneurial journey, her departure underscores the evolving dynamics of India’s digital media ecosystem, where established journalists are increasingly redefining their roles beyond traditional newsroom hierarchies.

For Firstpost, the coming months will be about consolidating its gains, refining its editorial strategy, and sustaining audience trust—while for Palki Sharma, the next phase promises a bold new experiment in independent journalism.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

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