Arnab Goswami: a Monk among Mughals in Media?

Arnab Goswami is a monk. That’s the feeling I get whenever I watch him present the Newshour on Timesnow. And I am sure my sentiment is shared by millions.

When the Times of India – expectedly – launched Timesnow with Arnab Goswami as its Editor-in-Chief and Vice President, honestly, I did not expect it to become the No.1 English news channel within a short span of two (three) years. Also, I did not expect Arnab Goswami to be regarded – and awarded - as the best news anchor so soon, beating the well established ones in the business! And my doubts were well founded, at least that is what I thought in those times.

Those were the times - in 2006, in India - when the English media in television was insurmountably dominated by big players like NDTV and the newly launched CNN-IBN. Prannoy Roy, Barkha Dutt and Rajdeep Sardesai were the undisputed favourites. Though Arnab Goswami enjoyed his “own” position at NDTV, still, for me to think that one day I would become his great admirer – like millions - was unthinkable, in those times.

But that changed soon after.

Going back to the launch of Timesnow days, what was surprising to me was the quiet manner in which it was done. There was no “usual” TOI-style fanfare; no Page-3 kind parties; no advertisement even in TOI! Even thereafter, TOI did not take any particular pains to popularize its channel. Moreover, to my further surprise, the format of the news channel was quite serious in comparison to the “populist-like” approach adopted by TOI – especially for its Delhi Times. Frankly, I simply couldn’t understand the “strategy” behind this “hush-hush” kind of affair. Imagine, the No.1 national daily was introducing its news channel and there was no “news”! It was quite perplexing to me.

But not anymore.

Because, today – perhaps - I understand the “reason” behind the “positioning” of Timesnow, and the Newshour in particular. And, the “reason” is none other than its Editor-in-Chief and Vice President Arnab Goswami.

Here, I am attempting to de-construct - understand - Arnab Goswami.
(You will understand only if you have watched him host the Newshour.)

You do not often come across a news channel chief not having airs around him; you do not often watch a news channel chief not acting powerful and an influencer; you do not often see a news channel chief not exploiting his privileged position; you do not often witness a news channel chief be reticent and shy of networking; you do not regularly hear about the editor-in-chief of TOI’s news channel not willing to be a part of the circus that is so fashionable in today’s times in electronics format: instituting Media awards – say, Timesnow Year Awards! (I wonder if he attends the annual mad bash of Bombay Times!) … . Well, I can go on and on.

In three years of its existence, the most forceful factor that has emerged strongly as the prime cause for Timesnow success is Arnab Goswami. He is not only an anchor par excellence but a remarkably able – and modest - debate moderator as well! His deliberations are genuine and sincere besides being insightful and interesting. He exudes warmth and ease around him though he is straightforward to the point of having it as his trademark style. Hearing him present news and debate them in depth makes one feel a part of Newshour discussions – as if he is sitting with viewers – every viewer - in living room, and discussing as a friend. What is admirable about Arnab is his assertiveness devoid of any apparent aggression, displaying his intense character. He respects his guests – and audience alike – and the same get reflected to him. And, I truly believe that he is going to remain like this forever: deeply rooted.

Now, tell me, what would you call a person as privileged in position as Arnab Goswami but comfortably unaffected – and detached - by his advantaged status, not falling for fame or famous or a Ferrari?

A monk! What else?!

And that is the reason I call Arnab Goswami a Monk - among Mughals in Media!