Sudhir Chaudhary to join Aaj Tak as consulting editor

Ten days after his resignation from Zee was accepted, Sudhir Chaudhary has been announced to join Aaj Tak as consulting editor.

According to an email circulated to employees from India Today Group’s Kalli Purie, Chaudhary and Aaj Tak are “collaborating to bring to our 100 million viewers an exciting new show anchored by him”, under the supervision of news director Supriya Prasad.

Newslaundry confirmed the news with a member of India Today’s management.

“I know the mills have been hyperactive and this announcement should give a closure :-). The natural home for a household name in news is always Aaj Tak!” the email read. “…He has one of the largest following on social media and a galaxy of awards from every reputable organisation. I am glad he has taken a call that will not disappoint his fans who are paramount for him.”

Chaudhary had resigned from his position as editor in chief and CEO of Zee News at the end of June. His resignation email to Essel Group chairman Subhash Chandra, which was accepted on July 1, mentioned his hope to “start my own enterprise”.

However, multiple sources told Newslaundry Chandra had been seeking to sideline Chaudhary for a few months, which could have prompted him to quit. There was also a power tussle involving Chaudhary and Rajnish Ahuja, chief content officer and editor of Zee News, who was hired from ABP News in September 2021. Newslaundry