It was not long ago, most Indian news channels were run by hosts who were almost entirely men. For years, male anchors would be strong and serious, and if there were women included, they usually assisted them. At the end of the 20th and beginning of the 21st centuries, the arrival of private broadcasting and a rise in news channels brought about a big shift. The film industry attracted more women, giving news more diverse views, new styles, and interesting personalities.
Taking a look through the news channels today, you will see plenty of female news anchor in India in both Hindi and English languages. You can count on them to report firsthand news, lead political discussions, conduct interviews, and report from places of war. They have worked hard, used their skill, and insisted on reaching the highest standards, which has helped improve TV news in both visual and storytelling ways.
Supporting this digital transformation, companies like 7k Network, a leading news portal development company, have played a crucial role by creating cutting-edge online platforms for media houses. Their expertise in building robust, user-friendly news portals enables broadcasters to reach wider audiences across devices, further empowering female news anchors and modern journalism in India.
The Impact of Female News Anchors on Indian Television News
The growing number of female news anchor in India has made a big difference to Indian television news.
Diversity of voices and perspectives:
In the first place, female news anchor in India have contributed a wide range of viewpoints that we did not previously consider. For many years, men were the main drivers of news narratives, so many important issues and perspectives big groups faced went overlooked in the news. Famous Indian female journalists and women news anchors allow the audience to view social, gender, education and health matters from a different angle, helping the news to appeal to more people. They share their viewers’ feelings and tell stories people relate to, giving news presentations a more considerate atmosphere.
Enhanced the credibility and authenticity of news reporting
Additionally, having female newscasters has increased the reliability and honesty of the news we see. Thanks to their good speaking style, attention to detail and clear handling of tough topics, many have rigor. You can see the mark of someone like Barkha Dutt, who was India’s first female war reporter and the strong presence of Sweta Singh and Shereen Bhan in Hindi and business journalism, respectively.
Served as a powerful source of inspiration and role models
Moreover, having these excellent reporters around inspires many young women who want to follow in their footsteps. Having smart and accomplished female journalists on TV and in magazines has helped many people enter journalism, fighting against the idea that men rule in this profession. New and talented people in the media help make the industry more colorful and interesting.
Overall presentation style of news
In addition, female anchors have affected the general style in which news is presented. Besides contributing to news reports, many have taught others to be elegant, calm and communicative in presenting the news. In early days, people sometimes talked mainly about female newsreaders’ good looks, but now attention is on their excellence as journalists and ability to speak with authority.
10 Best Female News Anchors in India
1. Anjana Om Kashyap
- Employer: India Today (formerly Aaj Tak)
- Known for: Hard-hitting debates and investigative journalism
- Years Active:2003-present
- Awards: ITA Award for Best Anchor, ENBA Award for Best Anchor, National Television Awards for Best Reporter
Being one of India’s best-known news anchors, Anjana Om Kashyap came into this world on June 12, 1975, in Ranchi, Bihar. After finishing her studies at the University of Delhi, she entered journalism. Her fearless attitude and solid skills in addressing political topics have won Kashyap a strong place in Indian journalism. After hosting “Halla Bol” on Aaj Tak, she became well-known among Hindi speakers throughout the country. In fact, she won an ITA award for Best Anchor and has starred in Bollywood films “Sultan” and “Tiger Zinda Hai.”
She is the best female news anchor in India. Going from Aaj Tak to India Today gave her a major career achievement, where she is still moderating major discussions surrounding national matters. Kashyap’s way of interviewing includes directly asking questions and getting valuable replies from those in public office. Because of her devotion to truth, many people in the industry now trust her.
2. Sweta Singh
- Employer: Aaj Tak
- Known for: Breaking news coverage and Hindi journalism
- Years Active: 2000-present
- Awards:Multiple industry recognitions for news presentation
weta Singh has become known in Hindi journalism for her amazing storytelling skills and powerful screen image. She is Executive Editor of Special Programming at Aaj Tak and is respected for handling breaking stories with professionalism. In her more than two decades in journalism, Singh has reported on significant national and global events with great skill. Her way of explaining complicated news stories easily to the audience has made her one of India’s most respected news anchors. She is top female news anchor in India, and discussions around female news anchor salary in India often mention her as a benchmark for success in the field.
She has helped uncover unique news and has talked with political leaders, famous people and professionals in different industries through interviews. The way Singh handles crisis stories and the analytic manner in which she presents news makes her unique in television journalism. Many young women have been inspired by her to build careers in broadcasting because of how much she has changed women’s representation in the media. She remains among the highest-watched prime-time hosts on Hindi news television.
3. Chitra Tripathi
- Employer: Aaj Tak (formerly ABP News)
- Known for: Political analysis and election coverage
- Years Active: 2008-present
- Awards: Recognition for election coverage and news presentation
Being born on May 11, 1986, in Gorakhpur, UP, Chitra Tripathi became known as one of the most beautiful and gifted news anchors in India. Many people became aware of her while she worked at ABP News, hosting shows such as “2019 Kaun Jeetega,” “Kaun Banega Mukhiyamantri,” “Modi Ke 4 Saal,” and the regular “Press Conference.” Being educated in Defense Studies from Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University gave Tripathi the knowledge she needs to understand difficult political and security matters.
The switch to Aaj Tak allowed her to keep dominating in politics and election reporting. Because of her clear speaking and detailed analysis of current events, Tripathi is widely recognized during election times. Thanks to her skill at describing political topics and charming interview skills, audiences love her shows. She belongs to a new wave of Indian news anchors who follow standard journalistic rules while presenting news in a new, modern way.
4. Barkha Dutt
- Employer: Freelance (formerly NDTV)
- Known for: War reporting and investigative journalism
- Years Active: 1995-present
- Awards: Padma Shri, Asian Television Award, Commonwealth Broadcasting Association Award
Among all Indian journalists, Barkha Dutt is likely the best known abroad, thanks to her crucial war reporting and unmatched style of journalism. For more than twenty years, Ms. Dutt dedicated her career to NDTV, covering major events such as the Kargil War, the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, and significant natural disasters. Her frontline reporting during the Kargil War earned her widespread acclaim, and her coverage of conflict areas, along with insightful analysis of important geopolitical matters, have won her fame around the world. She is one of India’s most celebrated female news anchors in India and a recipient of prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri in 2008.
Her book This Unquiet Land was widely praised and further established her as a leading voice in Indian journalism. After leaving NDTV in 2017, Dutt shifted her focus to independent journalism by founding Mojo Story in 2020, a digital platform that now has over 1.8 million subscribers. Her work emphasizes social justice, women’s rights, and minority issues, making her a strong and influential presence in Indian media.
She also writes opinion columns for The Hindustan Times and The Washington Post, engaging with a broad global audience through social media and public speaking.
4. Nidhi Razdan
- Employer: Freelance (formerly NDTV)
- Known for: Prime-time news shows and international affairs
- Years Active:1999-present
- Awards: Multiple journalism awards for news presentation
During her long time at NDTV, Nidhi Razdan was recognized as one of India’s most respected news anchors for hosting the nightly program Left Right Centre. Over two decades, she reported on important political events, elections, and international matters with top quality and dedication. The education Razdan received at Lady Shri Ram College, along with her master’s degree in International Relations and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Radio and TV Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication—one of the top journalism colleges for women in India—helped her analyze complex geopolitical issues with clarity. Many people recognize her for presenting news calmly and sparking valuable conversations with political adversaries.
Her talk shows featuring global leaders such as Barack Obama have been widely praised, cementing her reputation as one of the best female news anchors in India. Although her promising career at NDTV was interrupted due to a sophisticated phishing scam in 2020, leading to her exit in 2023, Razdan’s determination to grow remained strong. She enrolled at Harvard University and continues to learn and improve her craft.
In 2025, she returned to media with the weekly show Tracking Trump on deKoder, focusing on global affairs and U.S. politics. Additionally, she serves as Director of the School of Communication at IILM University and contributes regularly as a columnist for Gulf News.
5. Shreen Bhan
- Employer: CNBC-TV18
- Known for: Business journalism and corporate interviews
- Years Active: 2000-present
- Awards: Multiple awards for business journalism
Bhan is recognized as one of India’s top business journalists, having led the company’s financial news programming for CNBC-TV18 as Managing Editor since 2013. Business professionals and everyday investors rely on her for reliable news about economic and corporate matters. Because of Bhan’s training in economics and knowledge about financial markets, she can break down difficult business ideas on TV with clarity. She has recorded many private interviews with CEOs, top politicians, and leading multinational executives, including global figures like Warren Buffett and Bill Gates. She is regarded as one of the top news anchors in India.
Shows that cover market analysis, corporate strategy, and economic policy, such as India Business Hour, Young Turks, and Power Turks, have become very popular with business professionals under her leadership. Bhan’s innovative coverage, including formats introduced during Union Budget 2025, has enhanced audience engagement significantly.
She is involved in more than just television business journalism, also speaking at economic meetings and business conferences. Ranked #54 in Fortune India’s “Most Powerful Women 2025,” she is frequently invited as a keynote speaker to share her insights on media ethics and leadership. Thanks to her ability to analyze data and predictions of future trends, Bhan is recognized as one of the most reliable commentators in Indian business media. She still guides people in understanding economic challenges and the effects they have on our lives.
6. Faye D’Souza
- Employer: Freelance (formerly Mirror Now)
- Known for: Social issues and investigative reporting
- Years Active: 2008-present
- Awards: Recognition for social journalism and digital innovation
Faye D’Souza is among the Indian journalists of her generation who made the successful shift from television to the digital world. She began her career covering entertainment and then moved on to anchoring news about social matters and important investigations. At Mirror Now, where she was Editor-in-Chief, D’Souza made a name for herself by starting shows that focused on urban life, government matters, and social justice, including her well-known show The Urban Debate. She works to involve regular people and support local communities in her journalism.
Since moving on from traditional television, she has created a strong digital profile by founding Beatroot News, a youth-focused, nonpartisan platform launched in 2020, and being active on social media like Instagram and X. Her writings frequently concentrate on themes important to average citizens, such as city planning, governance, and inequality.
D’Souza’s ethical journalism and innovative use of technology to share news online have influenced the way modern journalism adapts to audience interests. As one of the most influential female news anchors in India, she is also a trustee of Population First, promoting better gender portrayal in media, and continues to impact media ethics, digital journalism, and news broadcasting in India.
7. Pallavi Ghosh
- Employer: CNN-News18 (formerly IBN7)
- Known for: Political reporting and Hindi journalism
- Years Active: 2005-present
- Awards: Multiple recognitions for Hindi news presentation
Through her work at many top Hindi news channels, Pallavi Ghosh has had a major impact on Hindi television journalism. Moving from reporting locally to appearing nationally on TV reflects how much she dedicates to her role as a newscaster. Many know her for her political reporting and skill in getting insightful responses from politicians from all parties. People appreciate the way she covers elections for being clear and well informed.
She has written a lot about political changes, covering state elections, new policy proposals and sessions of the parliament with expertise. Currently a Senior Editor at CNN-News18, she also hosts digital shows like One Take and Kadak Chaap, offering sharp political commentary that connects with today’s viewers.
Ghosh combines journalistic ideas from the past with modern approaches which makes her shows available to many people. Whistleblower influenced many young women to work in Hindi news media. She keeps making a difference on Hindi news television by upholding professional and journalistic excellence.
8. Supriya Shrinate
- Employer: Politician (formerly ET Now, CNN-IBN)
- Known for: Business journalism and political communication
- Years Active: 2003-2019 (journalism)
- Awards: Recognition for business journalism excellence
Supriya Shrinate’s career path, from journalism to political work, is rare in Indian media. In her journalism job, she became well known as a respected anchor and reporter, appearing on ET Now and CNN-IBN. As a female news anchor in India, she stood out for her sharp insights. Because of her knowledge in economic issues and reporting companies’ statements, she was widely respected in business journalism. Thanks to her strong financial knowledge and educational background, Shrinate was able to describe challenging business developments in a simple and clear way.
She talked with CEOs, economists and policy officials on multiple occasions. She became a spokesperson for the Indian National Congress, showing that journalists are important for national service. In 2022, she was appointed Chairperson of the party’s Social Media & Digital Platforms Department and is now a member of the Congress Working Committee, playing a key role in digital strategy and outreach. She has also led initiatives like the Mai Bahin Samman Yojana to promote women’s welfare, and continues to raise her voice on national issues, including Bihar’s special category status.
All through her journalism career, she kept her values high and contributed in a major way to business news in India. Being a reporter has given her the skills needed for her political communication and PR responsibilities today.
9. Mini Menon
- Employer: Bloomberg India (Consulting Editor)
- Known for: Business journalism and celebrity interviews
- Years Active:2000-present
- Awards: Recognized as one of the 10 most influential women in Indian Marketing, Advertising, and Media by Impact magazine (2013)
Mini Menon is well known in journalism and as a news anchor since joining Bloomberg India as a consulting editor. She has interviewed many hip figures such as Ratan Tata, Aamir Khan and Angelina Jolie. In 2013, in their 10 Most Influential Women issue, Impact magazine honored her for her achievements in Indian Marketing, Advertising and Media. Over the past two decades, Menon has built a career in journalism specializing in both writing about business and talking to celebrities. Many audiences are drawn to her interviews due to her talent for relating to women and learning unique lessons from them.
She stands for a business journalism style that mixes entertainment and practical information. Because of Menon’s efforts, business news programs in India have grown in popularity, especially because she helped make financial news easier for all to understand. Her success and awards reflect the vital role female journalists in India play in forming Indian media. Still, she is highly regarded in business journalism and media debates.
In recent years, Mini has also stepped into the world of entrepreneurship by co-founding Peepul Tree, a platform that promotes India’s artisanal heritage through storytelling and e-commerce. Stephen’s College and her early recognition as a Chevening Scholar. Whether on screen or through her writing, including her book Riding the Wave, Menon continues to bridge journalism, business, and India’s rich traditions in fresh, meaningful ways.
10. Rubika Liyaquat
- Employer: Bharat24 (formerly ABP News, Zee News)
- Known for: Prime-time debates and political journalism
- Years Active: 2012-present
- Awards: Recognition for impactful journalism and exclusive interviews
Absorbing all the latest news and reviewing the Indian and global outlooks, Rubika Liyaquat has emerged as an important Hindi news anchor, with impactful stints at Zee News, ABP News, and most recently with Bharat24 and News18 India. She comes from Udaipur and earned her bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from Mumbai University, which laid the foundation for her journalism career.
Her big breakthrough came in August 2018 when she joined ABP News and began hosting Master Stroke, a show known for its sharp political commentary and high viewership. April 2019 marked a major milestone when she became one of a select group of Indian journalists to conduct an exclusive interview with the Prime Minister.
After five successful years at ABP News, she joined Bharat24 as Vice President in June 2023. However, she stepped down from the position later that year, recognizing that the startup channel didn’t align with her long-term vision. In January 2024, she made a strong return to mainstream news by joining News18 India as a Consulting Editor. There, she continues to lead prime-time discussions and currently hosts the show Goonj with Rubika Liyaquat, which focuses on major national and political issues.
Known for her fearless presentation style and ability to simplify complex topics, Liyaquat stands as a symbol of modern Hindi journalism. Outside the newsroom, she is a dog lover and actively engages with her audience through social media.
Average salary of female news anchors in India as of 2025
| Experience Level / Role | Annual Salary Range (INR) | Notes |
| Entry-Level Anchor (0–2 years) | ₹3,00,000 – ₹5,00,000 | Typically for local or regional channels |
| Mid-Level Anchor (3–7 years) | ₹8,00,000 – ₹15,00,000 | National channels, increased visibility |
| Senior Anchor (8+ years) | ₹20,00,000 – ₹50,00,000 | Experienced professionals, larger platforms |
| Top-Tier Female Anchors | ₹3 crore – ₹4 crore | e.g., Anjana Om Kashyap, Shweta Singh |
| Overall Average (Female) | ₹5,50,000 – ₹6,87,000 | Based on general estimates (Glassdoor & industry reports) |
| Gender Pay Gap Indicator (General) | ~20–25% less than male peers | Varies by age group and organization (may still persist in some cases) |
Conclusion
Indian television journalism has changed for the better thanks to what the female news anchor in India have done together. They have worked in broadcasting as well as helped others pursue journalism, defined professional guidelines and opened doors to a male-dominated field for women. Thanks to their consistent dedication, professionalism and integrity, millions of people in India and around the world have come to trust and respect their journalism. The wide range of their backgrounds and how they report news reveals the impact of women journalism in India.
FAQs
Name some of the early news anchors in India?
Early female news anchors in the country are Carol Gracias, Shereen Bhan, Sagarika Ghose, Nidhi Razdan, Namita Bhatia.
How have female news anchors impacted news credibility?
The news reporters have added authenticity, reliability and brought different perspectives to news reporting so as to build stronger relationships with viewers and increase a sense of trust.
Why is it that female news anchors can only present so called ‘soft’ news?
No, even famous female anchors report on everything from politics to business, sport and investigative journalism undermining traditional gender assignments.
What challenges do female news anchors currently have in India?
Gender inequalities and gender bias, paying less than a man for the same work, underrepresentation as top leaders, ill treatment (online) are all types of challenges but all are making progress.
