English News channel CNN-News18 from News18 Network has announced the promotion of Executive Editor Zakka Jacob to the post of Managing Editor. Announcing the elevation, Network18 said Jacob will now lead the editorial strategy of CNN News18.
The appointment of Jacob marks a generational shift for CNN News18, one in which one of the oldest channels is being run by the youngest crew in its genre. The average age of the newsroom Jacob leads is well under 40 and is not only geared up to challenge some of the more established names, but also to shake up the genre with new ideas, formats and programmes.
A seasoned media professional with over 18 years of experience in the industry, Jacob has been hosting the channel’s flagship show Brass Tacks. With his inimitable approach and calm demeanour, he has earned the ‘thinking man’s anchor’ moniker in the television news industry. In his spell with CNN-News18, Jacob has managed to carve a niche in the crowded and noisy primetime.
Jacob is the only Indian anchor to win the prestigious Asian Television Award for Best Anchor in Asia twice, in 2016 and 2018. Recently, he was chosen in Impact Magazine’s 40 under 40 list of influential media persons. Prior to joining CNN News18, Jacob worked in China Central Television from 2011 to 2014 becoming the first South Asian face on Chinese television. He started his career in 2001 with Sun News, a regional channel, before moving to New Delhi with Headlines Today.
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