Ashif Aqbal
Ashif Aqbal is an Indian editorial director and senior management media professional with more than two decades of experience in journalism, news production and broadcasting. Known for his visionary approach, strategic editorial decisions and leadership roles across major news networks, he has built an extensive media career spanning reporting, anchoring, political coverage, editorial desk operations and newsroom management. His experience covers research, medical publishing, content development, social media strategy and news administration, making him a versatile and experienced media professional.
Early Life
Ashif Aqbal was born on 04 November 1982 in India. With an early inclination towards journalism and news reporting, he developed strong communication skills and entered the media industry soon after completing his studies. His multilingual fluency in English, Hindi, Bhojpuri and Urdu helped him connect with diverse audiences and strengthened his career as a journalist and newsroom leader.
Education
- Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication – M.C.R.P University, Bhopal (Study Centre Patna)
- Pursuing M.A. – V.K.S.U Ara Bihar
- NIIT Swift India – Computer proficiency course
Career
Ashif Aqbal began his media career in 2003, working with print media before entering television journalism. He worked with AAJ (Daily Hindi Newspaper) and Anupam Uphar Magazine as a freelance reporter, developing reporting skills and experience in news gathering, public interest stories and field reporting.
He later transitioned into television news and built a progressive career across major Indian news channels. Over 21 years, he contributed to newsrooms as reporter, senior correspondent, bureau chief, political head, news editor and editorial director. His expertise includes news desk operations, prime-time bulletin planning, editorial strategy and coverage of political and national events.
He led editorial teams, researched news content, coordinated newsroom operations and mentored upcoming journalists. Known for managing high-pressure environments and delivering news with accuracy and speed, he has been recognized for his troubleshooting ability, problem-solving skills and commitment to journalistic quality.
Professional Experience
- Prime News – Editor (Oct 2024–Present)
- Jantantra TV – Editor (Dec 2023–Oct 2024)
- News India – News Editor (May 2022–Dec 2023)
- Samachar Plus – News Editor (Jan 2022–May 2022)
- Zee Media – Input Editor (May 2017–Dec 2021)
- ETV News – Senior Correspondent (May 2015–Apr 2017)
- Channel One News – Senior Special Correspondent & Political Head (Dec 2012–Apr 2014)
- STV UP News – Bureau Chief & Political Head (Dec 2011–Dec 2012)
- Mahua News Channel – Senior Correspondent & Anchor (Jul 2008–Dec 2011)
- DD1 (UP) – Senior Reporter (May 2006–Mar 2007)
- S1 News – Trainee Reporter (Jul 2008–Dec 2011)
- ETV Bihar – Assistant Reporter (Oct 2004–Apr 2006)
Print Media Work
- Anupam Uphar Magazine – Freelance Reporter (Jun 2004–Aug 2004)
- AAJ Daily Newspaper – Freelance Reporter (Jul 2003–May 2004)
Skills and Core Competencies
- Editorial & Newsroom Management
- Project & Operations Management
- Research, Publishing & Proofreading
- Content Strategy & Development
- Social Media Marketing and Blogging
- Team Training, Mentoring and Leadership
- Political and Election Reporting
- Quality Management and Media Administration
Achievements
- Delivered leadership roles in multiple national newsrooms
- Managed editorial planning for bulletins, events and prime-time content
- Led large teams of reporters, producers and editorial staff
- Conducted investigative research and feature interviews
- Improved content strategies with better audience engagement results
Awards
- Best Journalist WHRPA World Human Right Protection Award – 2010
- Best Journalist Aaj Ki Delhi – 2014
- Rajiv Gandhi Global Excellence Award – 2014
- PARAMSHREE Award – 2016
- Best Journalist BEA Organisation Award – 2018
- Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Award – 2021
Personal Life
Ashif Aqbal resides in India and continues to work in the field of journalism and broadcast media. He is passionate about news content development, team leadership and public information communication. He seeks opportunities for further collaboration with news organizations and is committed to professional excellence.
External Links
- https://www.facebook.com/sushanta.daoyan.538379 (Personal Profile, Media Contact)
- Email: ashifaqbal@gmail.com
- Email: ashif.aqbal@zeemedia.esselgroup.com
- Mobile: +91 9873770324
- Mobile: +91 9717923101