Network18 has announced a strategic realignment of its editorial leadership at CNN-News18, outlining new roles for senior journalists Zakka Jacob and Rahul Shivshankar. The changes were communicated through an internal note circulated across the organisation.

CNN-News18, which has consistently retained its position as India’s leading English news channel for close to four years, said the transition reflects the network’s growth and evolving editorial focus. The channel reaffirmed its commitment to journalism anchored in fairness, accuracy and integrity-values it credits for its sustained leadership.

Zakka Jacob, who has served as Managing Editor and played a key role in shaping the channel’s balanced and credible editorial voice, will step away from day-to-day managerial duties. He will now take on an expanded editorial role as Senior Anchor and Group Foreign Affairs Editor, while continuing at the Managing Editor grade. In this capacity, Jacob will focus on foreign affairs coverage and anchor programmes across multiple Network18 platforms, extending his journalistic presence beyond CNN-News18.

The internal communication also announced that Rahul Shivshankar, senior journalist and anchor of the 9 pm prime-time show The Hard Facts, will take charge of CNN-News18’s newsroom operations. Shivshankar has been appointed Editorial Affairs Director and will oversee all key editorial functions, including input, output, production and off-platform teams. Known for his editorial leadership and newsroom experience, he has previously headed several prominent television newsrooms.

Both Jacob and Shivshankar are set to assume their new responsibilities starting Monday, marking the next phase in CNN-News18’s editorial evolution.