Long before 24×7 news became the norm, Prannoy Roy changed how India consumed television journalism. As the co-founder of NDTV, he pioneered data-driven election coverage, independent reporting, and high-quality television news, helping establish one of India's most influential media organizations.
The Story
Born on 15 October 1949, Prannoy Roy pursued economics at the University of Delhi before earning a PhD in Economics from the Delhi School of Economics. His analytical approach would later redefine Indian political and television journalism.
In 1988, Prannoy Roy and Radhika Roy co-founded New Delhi Television (NDTV), initially producing news content for Doordarshan before evolving into one of India's first private television news networks.
Roy gained nationwide recognition for introducing data-driven election analysis, using statistical models, opinion polling, and real-time graphics to explain election results in a way Indian audiences had never experienced before. This analytical style became an industry benchmark.
Over the following decades, NDTV expanded into 24-hour English and Hindi news channels, becoming known for investigative journalism, business news, international reporting, and independent editorial standards. The network played a significant role in shaping modern television journalism in India.
Today, Prannoy Roy remains one of India's most respected media entrepreneurs, recognized for combining journalism, economics, and data analytics to transform the country's television news landscape.
The FundForge Take
Prannoy Roy proved that credibility, data, and independent journalism can build a lasting media institution. His legacy extends beyond broadcasting—he changed how millions of Indians understand politics, elections, and current affairs.
