Ajit Hanamakkanavar demoted; Ravi Hegde takes charge as editor at Asianet Suvarna

Bengaluru

In what is being viewed as a significant setback for senior journalist Ajit Hanamakkanavar, the management of Asianet Suvarna has removed him from the post of Editor and reassigned him to the role of anchor.

He has been replaced by Ravi Hegde, who also serves as the Editor-in-Chief of Kannada Prabha. This development occurred in the last one week.

Sources describe the development as an unexpected move, particularly in light of Hanamakkanavar’s assertive editorial positioning in recent years. Despite his perceived alignment with right-leaning narratives, insiders suggest that the channel’s top management was dissatisfied with certain strategic outcomes under his leadership.

According to sources who spoke to blrpost.com, Hanamakkanavar agreed without resistance to continue with the channel as an anchor soon after Hegde was appointed to lead the Kannada arm of the Asianet Group. Observers interpret this decision as an indication that he prefers to retain his presence within the organisation rather than make an abrupt exit, possibly to maintain professional visibility while weighing future options.

Sources further claimed that the management was reportedly concerned about a decline in advertisement revenue from the Karnataka government. Allegedly, the strong editorial tone adopted on Hanamakkanavar’s prime-time show was perceived as lacking balance, prompting a reduction in government advertisements.

With Hegde at the helm, the management is said to be aiming for a more calibrated editorial approach in an effort to restore ties and stabilise revenue streams.

A source revealed that Hanamakkanavar held a brief meeting with Hegde before formally agreeing to continue as anchor. However, insiders indicate that he may be working on independent plans while remaining with the channel for the time being.

Industry speculation suggests that Hanamakkanavar could be exploring the possibility of launching his own media venture, reportedly aspiring to carve a niche similar to that of Arnab Goswami. Goswami, it may be recalled, went on to establish the Republic Media Network after exiting Times Now.

For now, sources indicate that Hanamakkanavar will continue to anchor the channel’s prime-time show, although he may eventually be replaced by another journalist as part of the broader restructuring exercise.