NEW DELHI (Feb 25, 2026) — In a major shake-up within the Indian English news landscape, Zakka Jacob is set to exit CNN-News18 to join Times Now as its new Managing Editor.
The Leadership Shift
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The New Role: Jacob is expected to take over editorial responsibilities at Times Now starting in April 2026. This marks a significant return to a leadership-heavy mandate after he recently transitioned into a purely journalistic and anchoring role at News18.
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Transition at News18: Previously the Managing Editor at CNN-News18, Jacob had shifted in December 2025 to the role of Senior Anchor and Group Foreign Affairs Editor, with veteran Rahul Shivshankar taking over the channel’s editorial reins.
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Navika Kumar’s Status: Despite the high-profile entry, Navika Kumar—the Group Editor-in-Chief of Times Network—will continue to anchor her flagship 9 PM primetime show. Reports suggest she may eventually move into a Consulting Editor role as part of the broader restructuring.
Professional Background
Zakka Jacob is one of the most recognizable faces in Indian broadcast news, known for his calm and balanced anchoring style on shows like The Right Stand.
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Tenure: He spent over a decade at CNN-News18, having joined in 2015.
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Expertise: Beyond domestic politics, Jacob is a leading voice on global affairs, having interviewed numerous heads of state and international policymakers.
What it Means for Times Now
The appointment of Jacob is seen as a strategic move by Times Network to bolster its editorial depth and bring a fresh perspective to its English news operations. With Jacob at the helm of day-to-day editorial functions and Navika Kumar continuing her high-impact primetime presence, the network aims to consolidate its leadership in the competitive news cycle.
