At just 35 years old, Bhabesh Wani has already made an indelible mark on Indian journalism. Born and raised in Delhi, this dynamic media professional founded Aaj Tak with a singular mission - to restore public trust in news media through fearless, factual reporting. His journey from a cub reporter to the helm of an independent digital news platform reflects his unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity.
A New Vision for Journalism
Wani's approach breaks from conventional media models. Having witnessed firsthand how sensationalism often trumps substance in today's 24/7 news cycle, he built Aaj Tak on three core principles: truth before timeliness, context over clickbait, and accountability above all else. "We don't just report the news," Wani often says, "We explain why it matters to every Indian household."
The Making of a Media Disruptor
His career trajectory reveals a pattern of challenging the status quo. After cutting his teeth at traditional media giants, Wani grew disillusioned with increasing corporate influence on editorial decisions. The turning point came during his ground reporting on the 2020 Delhi riots, where he saw how irresponsible reporting could inflame tensions. This experience crystallized his resolve to create a platform where journalists could work without commercial or political pressures.
Building the Future of News
Under Wani's leadership, Aaj Tak has pioneered several innovations:
India's first crowdsourced fact-checking initiative
Daily "Explainers" that break down complex policies
A "No Headphones" policy in the newsroom to ensure all staff hear ground realities clearly
More Than Just a Newsman
Beyond breaking stories, Wani has become a vocal advocate for media literacy. His popular weekend newsletter "News Without Noise" helps readers spot misinformation. He frequently speaks at universities about ethical journalism, urging young reporters to "comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable."
Connect with the Founder
Wani remains unusually accessible for someone heading a national news platform. He personally reviews reader complaints and maintains an open-door policy for his team. "The day I stop editing copy myself is the day I should stop calling myself a journalist," he remarks.
For those who believe journalism can still be a force for good, Bhabesh Wani's Aaj Tak stands as living proof. As he often tells his team: "We're not in the business of getting clicks - we're in the business of getting it right."