Poonam Pandey Named National Bureau Chief of Navbharat Times, the First Woman in the Role

The senior political journalist takes charge of the Hindi daily’s National Bureau in what the publication describes as a first in its 80-year history.

Navbharat Times (NBT), the Times Group’s Hindi daily, has appointed senior journalist Poonam Pandey as its National Bureau Chief. She is reported to be the first woman to hold the post in the newspaper’s 80 years.

Pandey is known for political and national affairs reporting, including coverage of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the wider political landscape. She has also reported extensively on defence and foreign affairs and on the country’s military establishments.

A decade at Parliament

Pandey has covered the Indian Parliament since 2014. Her work spans national politics, government affairs and developments involving the Army, Navy and Air Force. Originally from Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand, she has built her career on political and policy reporting at several prominent news organisations. Before joining Navbharat Times, she worked at CNBC Awaaz and Aaj Tak. Her author profile on Navbharat Times lists her recent work.

Science, journalism and a Chevening fellowship

Pandey holds a Master’s degree in Organic Chemistry from Kumaun University, Nainital, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Radio and Television Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC). She is also a Chevening Fellow under the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

A milestone for the newsroom

The National Bureau covers Parliament, government policy, political affairs and major national events. Pandey’s experience across these areas suits the editorial responsibilities of the role. For Navbharat Times, her appointment is a notable first, and it also points to the growing presence of women in senior newsroom and editorial leadership across Indian journalism.

Sources:  Navbharat Times.