NEW DELHI: In one of the most high-profile lateral movements in Hindi television journalism this year, senior anchor and journalist Rubika Liyaquat is set to join Times Now Navbharat.
According to top industry sources, Ms. Liyaquat will officially assume her new responsibilities on June 11, 2026. The development comes on the heels of her high-visibility exit from News18 India in May, where she served as Consulting Editor and helmed their flagship evening programming.
The Prime-Time Transition
New Network: Times Now Navbharat (w.e.f. June 11, 2026)
Flagship Assignment: News Ki Pathshala (Prime-Time Slot)
Preceding Role: Consulting Editor, News18 India (Exited May 2026)
Past Editorial Stints: ABP News, Zee News, Bharat24.
Filling a Prime-Time Vacuum
Ms. Liyaquat is slated to take over the highly competitive prime-time slot that was recently vacated by veteran anchor Sushant Sinha, who parted ways with Times Now Navbharat.
To build anticipation around her entry, Times Now Navbharat launched an aggressive on-air teaser campaign for its popular show News Ki Pathshala. The network’s promotional broadcast explicitly dropped hints about her takeover, declaring:
“Everyone will tell you the news, but who will help you understand it? That’s why… Madam is coming! Don’t miss the class—your attendance is mandatory! News Ki Pathshala, only on Times Now Navbharat.”
Strategic Advantage for Times Now Navbharat
As a household name in Hindi news broadcasting, Ms. Liyaquat brings over a decade of experience navigating volatile political landscapes, high-stakes debate moderations, and large-scale election coverage across major news networks like ABP News and Zee News.
Her recruitment represents a major tactical win for the Times Network’s Hindi property. Amid intensifying competition in the prime-time ratings race, her sharp presentation style and massive viewer following are expected to stabilize the network’s evening viewership, inject fresh momentum into its core editorial programming, and aggressively challenge rival Hindi news channels for market dominance.
