NEW DELHI – In a high-profile shift within the Indian broadcast landscape, veteran journalist Nabila Jamal has moved from TV9 Network’s News9 to join CNN-News18 as Executive Editor and Anchor.
The appointment, effective April 1, 2026, underscores a strategic talent acquisition by CNN-News18 as it maneuvers to strengthen its prime-time lineup for the 2026-27 programming cycle.
A New Face for ‘Brass Tacks’
Ms. Jamal’s most significant mandate at the network will be taking over one of its flagship properties:
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Prime-Time Lead: She will host ‘Brass Tacks’, the network’s 7:00 PM show previously anchored by Zakka Jacob.
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Editorial Leadership: As Executive Editor, she will play a pivotal role in shaping the network’s editorial direction and investigative reportage.
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Viewer Engagement: Her appointment is seen as a move to bolster the channel’s credibility and audience reach in an increasingly competitive English news segment.
Career Trajectory and Experience
Ms. Jamal brings a wealth of experience in high-impact journalism:
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News9 Transition: She joined TV9 Network in 2025, where she was instrumental in the digital-first news strategy of News9.
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India Today Group: Prior to that, she spent over five years with the India Today Group, establishing herself as a prominent face in national news.
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Versatility: Known for her sharp interviewing style and field reporting, her transition marks a return to a legacy English news brand.
Industry Context: The Great Media Churn
Jamal’s move comes amid a period of “heightened churn” in the television news industry. Major networks are actively reworking their talent rosters and programming strategies to maintain dominance in a fragmented media landscape.
By securing a seasoned anchor like Jamal for the 7:00 PM slot, CNN-News18 signals a renewed focus on authoritative, debate-driven prime-time content to capture evening viewership.
