NEW DELHI: The India Today Group emerged victorious at the 20th edition of Indian Television Academy (ITA) Awards by sweeping both the Popular News Channel - Hindi for Aaj Tak and Popular News Channel - English for India Today TV. Chairman & editor-in-chief Aroon Purie was honoured with the Hall of Fame Award. 

Aroon Purie said, “I thank the ITA for this honour of putting me in the Hall of Fame. To tell you the truth, I’ve never aspired for fame. I’ve always preferred to stay in the background. I’ve done my job as a journalist the best way I could. Fortunately I love news and I love journalism. I am no Amitabh Bachchan or Sachin Tendulkar or Roger Federer - persons with great individual talent. In my line of work, I’ve always believed that the institution is bigger than any individual. So this honour goes to all of you, the talented people I’ve worked with. They’ve all had a commitment to journalism, which is without fear or favor, and for the relentless pursuit of the truth. I believe journalism done well is a noble profession which makes a difference to the society we live in… It is a force for the good.”

India Today Group vice chairperson Kalli Purie commented, “As the depth of echo chambers increases, the need for a shared platform where both sides can be heard is essential. A place where people can agree to disagree is the need of the hour. India Today and Aaj Tak are those listening rooms, that middle ground for the two sides to continue a meaningful dialogue. What else is a society if not a vibrant conversation in progress? The ITA Awards for most popular Hindi and English news channels decided by over one core votes is a real honour.”

Aaj Tak has been awarded the Popular Hindi News Channel Award 19 times in the last 20 editions of ITA Awards. India Today TV has bagged this honour for the 4th consecutive time at ITA awards.