Shekhar Poojari quits News18 Kannada after taking it from fourth to No 1

Fourth to first, then goodbye. Shekhar Poojari has resigned as deputy editor of News18 Kannada, just as the channel he helped build reaches the No 1 position in Karnataka’s television news race. When Poojari and his team joined in 2018, the channel was ranked fourth in the TRP ratings. After 2018, its TRP crossed the 114 mark, and by 2026 News18 Kannada had reached the top. His exit brings an important chapter in his professional journey to a close, and at its peak.

Poojari is one of the prominent creative talents in Karnataka’s media industry, known for his innovative content strategies and distinctive approach to television programming. He has not said what comes next, which makes the timing of his departure all the more intriguing.

The guidance behind the climb

Poojari noted that the guidance of D P Satish, editorial advisor, south, Network18, during programmes and events, particularly from 2022 onwards, played an important role in motivating the team. He also appreciated the professional freedom he was given to execute ideas and develop programmes. According to Poojari, that guidance and autonomy helped him work with greater enthusiasm and confidence. It is a useful reminder that ratings are rarely won by one person alone.

Reporters: the real force behind No 1

Poojari was quick to share the credit. “Our reporters on the ground are our real soldiers. It is because of their hard work that we have been able to achieve so much,” he said.

While newsroom teams develop strategies from air-conditioned offices, reporters face the realities of the field. They work through rain, wind, scorching heat, threats, landslides and other challenging conditions, often putting in long hours to bring stories to viewers. “They are the ones who work day and night, standing on the ground in the most difficult circumstances. They are the primary reason behind these achievements. I would like to congratulate and thank them,” he said.

Looking back on his eight-year journey with News18 Kannada, Poojari placed particular emphasis on the reporters who worked tirelessly to strengthen the channel’s presence across Karnataka.

The strategy of three key leaders

In 2018, Poojari moved from Suvarna News to News18 Kannada and took charge as deputy editor. Then editor Siddappa Kaloji and creative head Swaroop Murugod brought him on board, entrusting him with leading the programming team, special shows and events. Kaloji and Murugod believed Poojari was the right person for these responsibilities and successfully persuaded him to join.

The three worked to strengthen the channel’s strategy. Poojari introduced substantial changes to programme formats, reinforced the existing team and sharpened the writing and presentation styles. The programmes gradually attracted greater audience interest, and the impact became visible in the channel’s TRP performance. Their combined efforts helped establish a stronger programming framework for News18 Kannada during a crucial phase of its growth.

The ratings climb

The numbers tell the story. By early 2019, News18 Kannada had moved up from fourth place to third in the ratings. For the first time, its TRP crossed 109, a major milestone. Within the following three months, it climbed to second place, with its TRP rising to 114. The transformation was driven by several factors, with programming making a substantial contribution to the improvement in viewership. The lesson was plain: stronger content, innovative formats and a more focused programming strategy lift audience engagement.

Awards for programming excellence

The programming team led by Poojari received an ENBA Gold Award in 2019. In 2020, the team won another Gold Award and a Silver Award. These accolades recognised its creative approach to programme design and presentation. After the COVID-19 pandemic brought new challenges to the media industry, Kaloji moved to VRL Media as its editor, while Poojari continued at News18 Kannada, building on the foundation developed over the preceding years. By 2026, the channel had reached No 1.

Winning the numbers game in weak slots

Alongside daily political coverage, Poojari developed programmes on non-political subjects, giving audiences across Karnataka a diverse range of content. The programming schedule ran from 1:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., with Poojari a key figure behind the planning and execution of the shows.

He was often handed the time slots that traditionally struggled to attract viewers, including programmes airing at 3:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. His approach was to identify suitable content, strengthen presentation and create programmes that could capture attention when viewership was hardest to sustain. That strategy helped the team turn some of the channel’s most challenging slots into opportunities for audience growth.

Giving Annadata a new identity

The agricultural programme Annadata, broadcast at 6:30 a.m., got a distinctive approach. It took viewers beyond conventional studio presentations by sending anchors directly to farmers’ fields. The team highlighted successful farmers, innovative agricultural practices and inspiring stories from rural Karnataka. This field-based approach gave Annadata a more direct connection with the farming community and brought its achievements and challenges into the public spotlight.

A winning combination in comedy

Poojari also experimented with entertainment-led programming by bringing together Mimicry Gopi and Comedy Khiladigalu performer Raghavendra, known for his Ragini character. Comedian Sagar Turuvekere was also given an important role. The combination worked well, showing how creative casting and a refreshed presentation style can revitalise an established programme and improve its appeal.

Decoding the elections and the budget

The 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections gave the programming team another major opportunity. Alongside minute-by-minute updates, the channel developed programmes offering political analysis and insights into the strategies shaping the contest. The team examined the political dynamics between Siddaramaiah and D K Shivakumar, analysed the strategies of the BJP and JD(S), and explored the calculations and manoeuvres influencing the campaign. The aim was to decode the strategies behind political decisions and explain their significance to viewers.

The 2024 Lok Sabha elections and Assembly elections across several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Maharashtra, Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir, offered further scope. News18 Kannada brought these complex contests into viewers’ homes through accessible, clearly structured and informative programmes. Poojari’s approach also extended to Karnataka’s state budgets and the Union Budget, with special programmes that simplified complicated financial announcements and explained their implications for ordinary citizens.

From political developments to the mysteries of space, Poojari brought his own creative approach to a wide range of subjects, reflecting a programming philosophy that went beyond routine news presentation.

2014 to 2018: a memorable stint at Suvarna News

Before joining News18 Kannada, Poojari worked at Suvarna News, where he took charge of the prime-time programme Suvarna Focus, broadcast at 9:30 p.m. His work helped make it a widely watched offering. He also produced several other programmes, including the series Communist Massacres, along with various special programming initiatives. The experience established his credentials in programme development, editorial storytelling and television production.

Early career: Janashree and beyond television

Before 2014, Poojari worked with Janashree News, where he wrote special reports and crime stories. His experience also extended beyond television journalism. He worked as a Kannada-language writer for corporate organisations, including Paytm. His Kannada scripts reportedly contributed to strong commercial performance, leading to several scripts being translated into English, Hindi, Tamil and other languages for adaptation in different markets. It reflected his versatility, with expertise spanning journalism, storytelling, content development and commercial communication.

What next for Shekhar Poojari?

Poojari’s next move remains unclear. For now, he says he is not associated with any other organisation and will share details when the time is right. He has also indicated that he needs some time to rest after years of demanding work in television news. Whether he returns to television, explores a new media opportunity, or pursues a different direction remains to be seen.

Whether he returns to television, explores a new media opportunity or pursues a different direction remains to be seen. His departure comes at a defining moment for News18 Kannada, following the channel’s rise from fourth place to No 1. For now, the focus is on what Poojari will do next, and whether his next chapter will bring another significant development to Karnataka’s media landscape.