In a country like India where the media plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion, journalists are often seen as powerful voices of truth and accountability. But behind the spotlight, have you ever wondered how much these top journalists actually earn? In this article, we’ll explore the salary of top journalists in India, the factors that influence their income, and how the journalism profession has evolved in terms of pay and prestige.
Salary of Top Journalists in India
Table of Contents
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Introduction to Journalism in India
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How Much Do Top Journalists in India Earn?
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Factors Affecting Journalist Salaries
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Salary Comparison: TV, Print & Digital Media
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Average Salary vs. Star Journalist Salary
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Freelance Journalism: Income Potential
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Gender Pay Gap in Indian Media
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Conclusion
1. Introduction to Journalism in India
Journalism in India has undergone a massive transformation, especially after the digital boom. From traditional print reporters to digital content creators and anchors on prime-time TV, the scope of journalism is now broader than ever. With growing influence also comes better financial rewards—especially for those who rise to the top.
2. How Much Do Top Journalists in India Earn?
The salary of India’s top journalists can be surprising to many. While entry-level journalists may start with modest salaries, top anchors, editors, and TV hosts earn packages that rival corporate CEOs.
Top Journalists and Their Estimated Annual Salaries (2025)
| Journalist Name | Estimated Annual Salary (INR) | Media Organization | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ravish Kumar | ₹2 - ₹3 crore | Formerly NDTV | Senior Journalist, Author |
| Sudhir Chaudhary | ₹3.5 - ₹4.5 crore | Aaj Tak | Anchor & Editor |
| Rajdeep Sardesai | ₹2.5 - ₹3.5 crore | India Today | Consulting Editor |
| Arnab Goswami | ₹12 - ₹20 crore | Republic TV | Managing Director & Editor |
| Barkha Dutt | ₹1.5 - ₹2.5 crore | Mojo Story | Founder, Journalist |
| Anjana Om Kashyap | ₹1.5 - ₹2 crore | Aaj Tak | Anchor |
| Rahul Kanwal | ₹1.8 - ₹2.5 crore | India Today | News Director |
Note: These figures are based on publicly available estimates, interviews, and media insights as of 2025. Actual salaries may vary depending on contracts and endorsements.
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3. Factors Affecting Journalist Salaries in India
Several key factors influence a journalist's earning potential:
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Experience: Senior journalists with 15–20 years of experience command premium salaries.
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Channel/Publication Size: Large media houses like Aaj Tak, Republic, and India Today offer better pay scales.
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On-Air Presence: Anchors and TV hosts usually earn more than field reporters.
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Language: English media usually offers higher pay compared to regional language media.
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Personal Brand: Journalists with a strong digital following (YouTube, X, Instagram) can supplement income.
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Sponsorships & Book Deals: Many top journalists also earn through books, events, and speaking engagements.
4. Salary Comparison: TV, Print & Digital Media
| Media Type | Average Entry-Level Salary | Mid-Level (5–10 yrs) | Senior Journalist Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Print Media | ₹25,000 – ₹40,000/month | ₹50,000 – ₹1 lakh | ₹1.5 – ₹2.5 lakh/month |
| TV News | ₹35,000 – ₹60,000/month | ₹80,000 – ₹2 lakh | ₹2 – ₹10 lakh/month |
| Digital Media | ₹30,000 – ₹50,000/month | ₹60,000 – ₹1.2 lakh | ₹1.5 – ₹3 lakh/month |
Digital journalism is catching up rapidly, especially for those who build a niche audience.
5. Average Salary vs. Star Journalist Salary
While top-tier journalists earn in crores annually, the average journalist in India earns between ₹3.5 to ₹7 lakh per annum depending on experience and city. The disparity is wide, primarily because media has become personality-driven where star anchors and journalists draw maximum advertiser attention and brand value.
6. Freelance Journalism: Income Potential
With the rise of YouTube channels, newsletters, and independent reporting platforms, freelance journalists in India now have alternative income sources. Some of them:
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Subscription-based news blogs
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Paid newsletters via platforms like Substack
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Speaking at seminars or media festivals
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Consultancy work
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Podcasting and branded content
A successful freelance journalist can easily earn between ₹1.5 to ₹4 lakh/month depending on their niche and audience.
7. Gender Pay Gap in Indian Media
Despite the growing number of female journalists in the Indian media landscape, the gender pay gap remains a concern. While anchors like Anjana Om Kashyap and Barkha Dutt have made their mark, men still dominate the top pay brackets.
Several reports highlight that:
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Women journalists in similar roles often earn 15–30% less than male counterparts.
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Leadership roles still see underrepresentation of women.
The salary of top journalists in India reflects the increasing commercialization of news and the emergence of journalists as brands themselves. While the path to becoming a high-earning journalist isn’t easy, with consistency, credibility, and adaptability, the media landscape does offer lucrative opportunities. Whether through mainstream media or independent platforms, journalism in India is financially more rewarding than ever for those who reach the top tier.
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