Even as the Indian TV news industry and viewers wait in anticipation for Arnab Goswami's next avatar, TNM has learned that his new venture will be called 'Republic'. Speaking to TNM, Goswami confirmed the name of his new venture and only said that work is on to get the venture up and running.
Goswami told The News Minute, “My venture is called ‘Republic’; I seek the support of the people of India.”
The editor was however at his secretive best and said more details would be revealed only after a few weeks.
On November 1, 2016, Arnab Goswami had quit from his position of Editor-in-Chief and President, News, of Times Now and ET Now.
TNM has learnt that the venture will primarily be based out of Mumbai. Sources have told TNM that a media owner based out of Bengaluru, a major TV distribution network and an influential advertising and media buying group, are a part of the bouquet of investors who are coming together to back Arnab. TNM has also been told, contrary to some speculation, that all the investors are 'Indian'.
In his farewell speeches to employees at Times Now, Arnab had insisted that he would head an ‘independent’ media venture. Though the venture may start initially with a digital footprint, a TV channel is in the pipeline before Uttar Pradesh elections.
The English TV news industry in India has seen quite a few significant changes after Arnab’s resignation. While a few members of his core team quit soon after, the editor of News X channel, Rahul Shivsankar , joined Times Now as Chief Editor. Hector Kenneth, who was in charge of news operations in News X has also joined Times Now as Output chief. Both Rahul and Hector were part of Arnab Goswami’s team in 2005, when Times Now was started.