PERSONAL INFORMATION
Full name: Prannoy Lal Roy
Profession(s): Journalist, Psephologist, Economist
Date of Birth: 15 October 1949 (Saturday)
Age (as of 2024): 75 Years
Birthplace: Calcutta, West Bengal, India
Zodiac sign: Libra
Nationality: Indian
Hometown: Kolkata, India
Religion: Hinduism
Marriage Date: Year 1972
Age: 75 Years
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EDUCATION
School: • La Martiniere Calcutta in Calcutta (now Kolkata), India • The Doon School, Dehradun
College/University: • Queen Mary University of London • Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, London, the United Knigdom • Delhi School of Economics, New Delhi
Educational Qualification: • Pursued Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Economics at Queen Mary University of London (1973) [2] World Economic Reform • Chartered Accountant from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, London, the United States (1975) [3] World Economic Reform • Completed PhD in Agricultural Economics at the Delhi School of Economics (1978) [4] World Economic Reform
Education: PhD
PHYSICAL STATISTICS
Height (approx.): in centimeters – 173 cm in meters – 1.73 m in feet & inches – 5’ 8”
Weight (approx.): in kilograms – 73 kg in pounds – 160 lbs
Eye Colour: Dark Brown
Hair Colour: Salt & Pepper
FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS
Marital Status: Married
Affairs/Girlfriends: Radhika Roy
Wife/Spouse: Radhika Roy
Children: Son – None Daughter – Tara Roy
Parents: Father – P. L. Roy aka Hurricane Roy (Senior Executive at a multinational corporation in Calcutta) [7] Business Standard Mother – Name Not Known (Teacher)
Wife: Radhika Roy
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Award: 30 April 2015: Red Ink lifetime achievement award [1] Business Standard
OTHER INFORMATION
Known As: Co-founder of NDTV
INTERESTING BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Prannoy Roy stands out as a prominent figure in Indian journalism, known not only for his role as a news anchor but also for his multifaceted contributions as an economist, psephologist, chartered accountant, and author. He is widely recognized as the co-founder of New Delhi Television Ltd. (NDTV), a pioneering force in Indian broadcast journalism. Roy’s innovative approach significantly transformed the landscape of media in India, particularly through his introduction of opinion polls, which became an essential tool for gauging public sentiment during elections. His journey in the media industry has been marked by both achievements and challenges, reflecting the dynamic nature of journalism in the country.
Born to a Bengali father, who was affectionately referred to as Hurricane Roy due to his influential role as a Senior Executive at a multinational corporation in Calcutta, and an Irish mother who dedicated her life to teaching, Prannoy Roy’s upbringing was rich with diverse influences. His family legacy is equally remarkable; his paternal grandfather, Paresh Lal Roy, is celebrated as the ‘father of Indian Boxing,’ while his uncle, Indra Lal Roy, made history as the first Indian pilot in the Royal Flying Corps. Prannoy’s educational journey took him to the United Kingdom, where he earned a scholarship to Haileybury and Imperial Service College for his A-levels and subsequently qualified as a British Chartered Accountant. Additionally, he shares a familial bond with acclaimed novelist Arundhati Roy, which adds another dimension to his illustrious background.
In 1988, Prannoy Roy, alongside his wife Radhika Roy, embarked on a groundbreaking venture by launching NDTV. The network quickly made a name for itself, becoming the first independent news broadcaster in India and setting a benchmark for quality journalism. NDTV’s collaboration with Doordarshan marked a significant milestone in broadcast journalism, leading to the launch of its first 24×7 news channel in partnership with Star India between 1998 and 2003. However, this partnership eventually came to an end due to disagreements regarding editorial control. Following the split, NDTV emerged as a fully independent entity, successfully launching its own channels, NDTV 24×7 and NDTV India, and going public in 2004. By the end of that year, it had established itself as one of the leading media houses in India.
Throughout his career, Prannoy Roy has received numerous accolades, including the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award for Information, Communication, and Entertainment alongside Radhika Roy in 2003. He has also co-authored significant works on Indian elections, contributing to a deeper understanding of the nation’s democratic processes. Despite his successes, the journey has not been free from controversy. Following the rise of Narendra Modi’s government, NDTV faced increasing pressure, including legal actions and attempts to intimidate advertisers. The channel’s resilience was evident when mass protests halted a government attempt to ban the Hindi news channel. In recent years, the Roys have dealt with regulatory challenges from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), culminating in a fine and restrictions on their ability to hold board positions. Nevertheless, Prannoy Roy remains a crucial figure in Indian media, advocating for journalistic integrity and engaging in various social initiatives aimed at fostering positive change, such as the ‘Greenathon’ and ‘Support My School’ campaigns.
On November 29, 2022, in a significant development, Prannoy Roy and Radhika Roy stepped down as directors of RRPR Holding Private Limited in light of the Adani Group’s open offer to acquire NDTV. This decision marked a new chapter in the ongoing evolution of NDTV, reflecting the complexities of media ownership in contemporary India. As he continues to navigate the challenges and opportunities within the industry, Prannoy Roy remains an influential voice, steadfast in his commitment to journalism and social advocacy.
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Note: All biographical information compiled from publicly available sources.