Sudhir Chaudhary’s recent absence from his primetime show, DNA, on Zee News has sparked widespread speculation. Multiple sources suggest a complex interplay of factors led to his departure, including internal power struggles and a shift in the network’s editorial stance. Chaudhary’s empty chair on DNA for several days, coupled with the show’s logo omitting his image, fueled rumors even before his resignation was confirmed. Rohit Ranjan of Zee Hindustan filled in as host, further intensifying the speculation. Notably, Chaudhary’s last DNA episode focused on the Maharashtra political crisis and alleged financial dealings, a potentially sensitive topic that may have contributed to the unfolding events.
Internal sources reveal that Chaudhary had been absent from Zee and Wion editorial meetings for a significant period leading up to his exit. He also left the company’s WhatsApp groups, signaling a complete disengagement from the network. This abrupt departure followed a reported period of growing tension between Chaudhary and Zee News management.
A key point of contention appears to be a power struggle involving Chaudhary and Rajnish Ahuja, the chief content officer and editor of Zee News. Ahuja, who joined from ABP News in September 2021, may have been positioned to challenge Chaudhary’s authority within the organization. This potential rivalry, coupled with broader editorial shifts, created an environment conducive to Chaudhary’s departure. There were also reports of attempts to dilute Chaudhary’s influence by elevating other individuals to positions of comparable authority, creating an “imbalance of power” that reportedly unsettled the prominent anchor.
Furthermore, Subhash Chandra, the chairman of Essel Group, which owns Zee News, was reportedly dissatisfied with the BJP after losing his Rajya Sabha seat. This led to a push for more neutral news coverage, a direction that reportedly clashed with Chaudhary’s established on-air persona and preferred editorial style. One source claims Chaudhary expressed concerns that Chandra’s electoral defeat would lead to significant repercussions within the network, using the phrase “heads will roll.”
Chandra had previously expressed concern about the overemphasis on individual personalities over the Zee News brand. In an internal email last September, he criticized the “wrong habit to know individuals rather than the brand,” suggesting a desire to shift focus away from prominent anchors like Chaudhary. This emphasis on brand over individual may have contributed to the tensions leading up to Chaudhary’s exit. The situation highlights the complex relationship between individual anchors, their established on-air personas, and the broader editorial direction of a news network. Chaudhary had become synonymous with Zee News, a situation that may have ultimately contributed to his departure. It remains unclear where Chaudhary will land next, but his absence from DNA marks a significant shift in the Indian media landscape.
