Top 10 Highest Paid Indian News Anchors in 2025: Voices Shaping India’s Media
India’s news media thrives on charismatic anchors who command millions of viewers and substantial paychecks. In 2025, the top 10 highest paid Indian news anchors collectively earn crores, driven by salaries, endorsements, and digital ventures. From Arnab Goswami’s fiery debates to Sudhir Chaudhary’s prime-time influence, these anchors shape public discourse while reaping financial rewards.
Forbes India and industry estimates reveal a competitive landscape, with top earners making ₹6-15 crore annually. This article counts down the top 10 highest paid Indian news anchors in 2025, detailing their earnings, networks, and impact. Discover who’s leading India’s media elite!
Why Indian News Anchors Earn Big in 2025
India’s 24/7 news cycle, with over 400 channels, fuels demand for star anchors who drive TRPs and ad revenue, per India Today. Salaries are bolstered by endorsements, speaking engagements, and digital platforms like YouTube, especially post-India’s 2024 digital ad surge to $6 billion, per Forbes India. However, a gender pay gap persists, with male anchors dominating top earnings, though women like Barkha Dutt are closing the gap, per industry reports. Using estimates from X posts and web sources, let’s explore the top 10 highest paid Indian news anchors in 2025.
Top 10 Highest Paid Indian News Anchors in 2025: Earnings Table
| Rank | Anchor | Estimated Earnings (2025) | Network | Key Show(s) | Language | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arnab Goswami | ₹12-15 crore | Republic TV | The Debate, Nation Wants to Know | English | India |
| 2 | Sudhir Chaudhary | ₹8-10 crore | Aaj Tak | Black & White, DNA | Hindi | India |
| 3 | Rajdeep Sardesai | ₹5-10 crore | India Today | Newsroom, India Tonight | English | India |
| 4 | Ravish Kumar | ₹5-6 crore | NDTV (freelance/YouTube) | Prime Time (former), YouTube | Hindi | India |
| 5 | Anjana Om Kashyap | ₹4-6 crore | Aaj Tak | Halla Bol, Special Report | Hindi | India |
| 6 | Barkha Dutt | ₹4-5 crore | Mojo Story (YouTube) | The Barkha Dutt Show | English | India |
| 7 | Sweta Singh | ₹3-5 crore | Aaj Tak | Saurav Ka Saat | Hindi | India |
| 8 | Rahul Kanwal | ₹3-4 crore | India Today | Newstrack, Jab We Met | English | India |
| 9 | Amish Devgan | ₹2.5-4 crore | News18 India | Aar Paar | Hindi | India |
| 10 | Deepak Chaurasia | ₹2-3 crore | News Nation | Taal Thok Ke | Hindi | India |
10. Deepak Chaurasia
- Estimated Earnings: ₹2-3 crore
- Network: News Nation
- Key Show: Taal Thok Ke
- Key Features:
- Veteran Voice: Known for aggressive Hindi debates, driving News Nation’s viewership.
- Endorsements: Limited, with income primarily from salary and guest appearances.
- 2025 Impact: Maintains a loyal audience despite smaller network reach.
Deepak Chaurasia kicks off the top 10 highest paid Indian news anchors in 2025 with his fiery style.
9. Amish Devgan
- Estimated Earnings: ₹2.5-4 crore
- Network: News18 India
- Key Show: Aar Paar
- Key Features:
- Debate Star: Popular for high-energy Hindi debates, boosting News18’s TRPs.
- Digital Presence: Active on social media, enhancing his brand.
- Rising Earner: Salary growth reflects his growing influence in 2025.
Amish Devgan dynamic hosting secures his spot among the top 10 highest paid Indian news anchors in 2025.
8. Rahul Kanwal
- Estimated Earnings: ₹3-4 crore
- Network: India Today
- Key Show: Newstrack, Jab We Met
- Key Features:
- Balanced Anchor: Known for sharp interviews and election coverage.
- Endorsements: Modest deals with media-related brands.
- 2025 Role: Key player in India Today’s English news segment.
Rahul Kanwal incisive journalism earns him a place in the top 10 highest paid Indian news anchors in 2025.
7. Sweta Singh
- Estimated Earnings: ₹3-5 crore
- Network: Aaj Tak
- Key Show: Saurav Ka Saat
- Key Features:
- Prime-Time Star: Anchors Aaj Tak’s top Hindi bulletins.
- Audience Appeal: Connects with viewers through relatable delivery.
- 2025 Growth: Salary boosted by Aaj Tak’s ad revenue surge.
Sweta Singh popularity cements her among the top 10 highest paid Indian news anchors in 2025.
6. Barkha Dutt
- Estimated Earnings: ₹4-5 crore
- Network: Mojo Story (YouTube)
- Key Show: The Barkha Dutt Show
- Key Features:
- Digital Pioneer: Shifted to YouTube, monetizing through ads and sponsorships.
- Investigative Fame: Known for Kargil War reporting and ground journalism.
- 2025 Influence: Growing digital audience boosts earnings.
Barkha Dutt independent platform makes her a standout in the top 10 highest paid Indian news anchors in 2025.
5. Anjana Om Kashyap
- Estimated Earnings: ₹4-6 crore
- Network: Aaj Tak
- Key Show: Halla Bol, Special Report
- Key Features:
- Fiery Anchor: Drives TRPs with bold Hindi debates.
- Endorsements: Partners with regional brands for extra income.
- 2025 Star: Aaj Tak’s top female anchor, per industry buzz.
Anjana Om Kashyap commanding presence lands her in the top 10 highest paid Indian news anchors in 2025.
4. Ravish Kumar
- Estimated Earnings: ₹5-6 crore
- Network: NDTV (former), YouTube/freelance
- Key Show: Prime Time (former), YouTube content
- Key Features:
- Credibility King: Ramon Magsaysay Award winner for ethical journalism.
- Digital Shift: Monetizes YouTube channel with millions of subscribers.
- 2025 Earnings: Combines freelance gigs and digital revenue.
Ravish Kumar principled journalism earns him a spot among the top 10 highest paid Indian news anchors in 2025.
3. Rajdeep Sardesai
- Estimated Earnings: ₹5-10 crore
- Network: India Today
- Key Show: Newsroom, India Tonight
- Key Features:
- Veteran Anchor: Known for balanced reporting and election analysis.
- Endorsements: High-value deals with media and corporate brands.
- 2025 Role: India Today’s face for English news, per X posts.
Rajdeep Sardesai industry stature places him in the top 10 highest paid Indian news anchors in 2025.
2. Sudhir Chaudhary
- Estimated Earnings: ₹8-10 crore
- Network: Aaj Tak
- Key Show: Black & White, DNA
- Key Features:
- Prime-Time Power: DNA consistently tops Hindi news ratings.
- Endorsements: Lucrative deals with FMCG and auto brands.
- 2025 Influence: Aaj Tak’s flagship anchor, driving ad revenue.
Sudhir Chaudhary massive viewership secures his rank among the top 10 highest paid Indian news anchors in 2025.
1. Arnab Goswami
- Estimated Earnings: ₹12-15 crore
- Network: Republic TV
- Key Show: The Debate, Nation Wants to Know
- Key Features:
- Media Mogul: Founder of Republic TV, India’s top English news channel.
- Endorsements: High-profile deals with tech and lifestyle brands.
- 2025 Dominance: Unrivaled TRPs and digital reach, per Forbes India.
Arnab Goswami reigns as the top highest paid Indian news anchor in 2025, leading with unmatched influence.
The Future of News Anchor Earnings in 2025
In 2025, digital platforms like YouTube and OTT news channels are boosting anchor earnings, with stars like Barkha Dutt and Ravish Kumar monetizing independent content, per Forbes India. Hindi news anchors dominate due to larger audiences, but English anchors like Rajdeep Sardesai hold premium value. The gender pay gap, with only three women in the top 10, remains a concern, though female anchors are gaining ground. As India’s media market grows to $30 billion, per industry reports, the top 10 highest paid Indian news anchors in 2025 will likely see even higher earnings in 2026.
External Link: Learn more about media trends at Forbes India.
The top 10 highest paid Indian news anchors in 2025, from Arnab Goswami to Deepak Chaurasia, command crores while shaping India’s narrative. Their earnings, driven by TRPs and digital ventures, reflect their influence, per X posts. Check the table for their financial breakdown! Who’s your favorite news anchor? Share in the comments and join the conversation!
