Journalist Palki Sharma, one of the most prominent and widely followed news anchors in India, has stepped down from her position as Managing Editor of Firstpost. Exchange4media reported that the news was communicated internally to Network18 employees.
Santosh Menon, head of editorial and content for digital operations of News18, wrote in the memo, “It is with a heavy heart that I share an important leadership update at Firstpost. After a remarkable tenure as Managing Editor, Palki Sharma has decided to step down.”
As per the report, Menon further wrote, “During her time with Firstpost, Palki played a vital role in launching our prime-time show, Vantage, and contributed significantly to shaping its editorial tone. She anchored the show with clarity, insight and an unwavering commitment to presenting global news through an Indian lens, earning widespread acclaim. Beyond her role on air, Palki helped establish a strong editorial team and fostering a culture of journalistic excellence. We thank her for her contribution and wish her the very best in her future entrepreneurial pursuits.”
Palki Sharma will reportedly launch her own venture after quitting Firstpost.
She joined Firstpost in early 2023 after a high-profile exit from WION, where she had created the hugely popular show Gravitas. At Firstpost, a Network18 property, she launched and anchored the flagship international news programme Vantage, which became one of the most-watched daily global news shows in the Indian digital ecosystem.
Under her editorial leadership, Firstpost significantly strengthened its international coverage, built a distinctive voice in global affairs seen through an Indian lens, and substantially grew its digital and YouTube audience.
Palki Sharma has worked in several organisations like ITV Network, Network18, Doordarshan News and The Hindustan Times during her almost two-and-a-half decades of experience in journalism.
Firstpost has already appointed senior journalist Binoy Prabhakar as the new Chief Content Officer to lead editorial operations after the exit of Palki Sharma.
