5 TV Journalists Who Left Their High-Paying Jobs to Start YouTube Channels

In recent years, a number of prominent journalists have taken the bold step of leaving their lucrative positions at mainstream media outlets to venture into the world of YouTube. This shift isn’t just about finding a new job; it’s about embracing the power of digital media to have a direct connection with their audience. Here’s a look at some well-known journalists who made this transition and built huge followings with their YouTube channels.

1. Ravish Kumar

Channel: Ravish Kumar Official

Subscribers: 12.1 million

Ravish Kumar, one of India’s most respected and prominent journalists, became a household name for his insightful and honest reporting on prime-time television. A former senior anchor at NDTV India, he made the bold decision to step away from mainstream media and started his own YouTube channel. His content focuses on social issues, politics, and current affairs, and his channel quickly garnered millions of subscribers. Ravish’s deep connection with his audience stems from his credibility as a journalist and his calm, methodical approach to reporting. His channel has become an essential platform for independent thought and critical analysis of Indian politics.

2. Abhisar Sharma

Channel: Abhisar Sharma

Subscribers: 7.51 million

Abhisar Sharma’s decision to leave his role as a senior journalist at India Today was a significant shift in his career. Known for his in-depth coverage and fearless reporting, Abhisar started his YouTube channel to offer unfiltered news and analysis, often discussing issues of national importance. His content delves into politics, economics, and current affairs, giving his viewers a nuanced perspective on India’s evolving socio-political landscape. Abhisar has since become one of the most watched independent journalists on YouTube, offering something rare in mainstream news—bold, straightforward commentary.

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3. Kamiya Jani

Channel: Curly Tales

Subscribers: 3.83 million

Kamiya Jani took a completely different route when she left her career as a news anchor to pursue her passion for food and travel. Through her channel Curly Tales, Kamiya shares her experiences as she explores food cultures around the world, offering a unique mix of travel, lifestyle, and food content. While her background in journalism gives her a professional edge, her YouTube channel is all about storytelling, discovery, and indulging her audience in the delights of global cuisines. Kamiya’s vibrant personality and relatable style have helped her amass a large following, and she is now a well-known name in the food vlogging world.

4. Deepak Sharma

Channel: Deepak Sharma India

Subscribers: 3.76 million

Deepak Sharma, a well-known news anchor and journalist, left his job in television to embrace the freedom of digital media. His YouTube channel focuses on bringing in-depth analysis of current affairs, politics, and social issues in India. Deepak’s channel serves as a space where he can freely discuss topics that mainstream media might shy away from. His balanced and well-researched videos have earned him a loyal fanbase who turn to his channel for insightful commentary and an unfiltered look at India’s complex political landscape. He has worked for Aajtak and India Today Group from 2002-2015 and earlier he worked for English News daily The Pioneer at Lucknow and New Delhi. He has successfully managed to transition his reputation as a credible journalist to the online space.

5. Shubhankar Mishra

Channel: Shubhankar Mishra

Subscribers: 3.31 million

Shubhankar Mishra, a former journalist with India’s leading news organisations Aaj Tak and Zee News, decided to take his reporting skills to YouTube, where he could reach a wider audience. His channel covers a wide range of topics, from political analysis to social issues and entertainment. His deep dives into ongoing issues have made his channel a go-to for many. Shubhankar’s cool style and direct approach have made him a popular voice among YouTube’s growing army of independent journalists.

The trend of journalists quitting traditional media to create content on YouTube has become more prevalent in recent years. There are several reasons for this shift. YouTube offers journalists the freedom to explore topics without the constraints of corporate media or government influence. Journalists can interact directly with their viewers, fostering a deeper sense of community and trust.