NEW DELHI: In a major development within the Indian broadcast media landscape, senior journalist and high-profile news anchor Rubika Liyaquat has officially resigned from News18 India, according to top industry sources.
Liyaquat’s departure comes after a brief but impactful stint with the Network18 group, where she served as a Consulting Editor and anchored some of the channel’s premier high-decibel prime-time properties.
Key Takeaways
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A Prime-Time Vacuum: As a Consulting Editor, Liyaquat was a central pillar of News18 India’s aggressive evening debate lineup. Her sudden exit is expected to trigger a significant programming reshuffle as the channel seeks to protect its prime-time viewership shares.
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Aggressive Anchoring Footprint: Over the years, Liyaquat has established herself as one of the most polarizing and recognizable faces in Hindi television journalism, distinctively known for her sharp, confrontational debate style and commanding on-screen presence.
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Massive Digital Influence: Beyond traditional television rating points (TRPs), Liyaquat commands a massive, highly engaged multi-million following across mainstream social media platforms, making her a prized asset for digital news amplification.
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Next Career Move Awaited: While sources close to the development have confirmed her resignation from the Noida-based newsroom, Liyaquat has not yet officially disclosed her next professional venture.
A Decade at the Top of Hindi News
Liyaquat’s exit from News18 India adds another major chapter to her extensive career across India’s top-tier Hindi news networks:
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Zee News: Her initial meteoric rise to national prominence occurred during her tenure at Zee News, where she anchored prime-time debate shows and established her signature fiery reporting style.
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ABP News: She subsequently moved to ABP News, where she hosted the highly rated flagship evening debate show “Master Stroke,” solidifying her position as a top-tier industry anchor.
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Bharat 24 & Beyond: Prior to her alignment with Network18, she also had a brief leadership stint as the Vice President of Bharat 24, proving her versatility in both editorial direction and onscreen execution.

