Palki Sharma Resigns as Firstpost Managing Editor: What’s Next for ‘Vantage’ and Her New Venture?
The news of Sharma’s resignation was confirmed during an internal town hall meeting on January 29, 2026, and later detailed in a communication to Network18 staff. Santosh Menon, Chief Content Officer at Network18, expressed that the departure comes with a “heavy heart,” while acknowledging her transformative three-year tenure.
Under Sharma’s leadership, Firstpost successfully pivoted into a global news powerhouse. Her flagship show, Vantage, became a digital sensation, notably shifting the portal’s demographics. According to internal metrics, over 60% of Firstpost’s website traffic now originates from overseas—a staggering leap from less than 10% before she took the helm.
Why Did Palki Sharma Leave Firstpost?
Sources close to the development indicate that the exit is amicable and driven by Sharma’s long-standing entrepreneurial ambitions. During her address to the Firstpost team, she reflected on her journey and confirmed plans to launch her own independent venture.
This is not Sharma’s first foray into the business world; she previously founded the saree brand Reyva between 2016 and 2019. Reports suggest she has already secured funding for her new media initiative, which is expected to focus on high-quality, independent journalism, a space where her devoted global fanbase is likely to follow.
Binoy Prabhakar Appointed as Firstpost Chief Content Officer
As Firstpost prepares for its next chapter, Network18 has announced a significant leadership realignment. Binoy Prabhakar, the former Chief Content Officer at Hindustan Times Digital, has been appointed as the new Chief Content Officer of Firstpost.
Prabhakar, a veteran with 25 years of experience across The Economic Times, The Indian Express, and Moneycontrol, is tasked with guiding the brand through an era of AI-driven disruption and shifting digital consumption patterns.
Internal Realignment at Network18
The leadership shuffle extends beyond Firstpost:
- Rakesh Rai, formerly the Executive Editor at Firstpost, has been promoted to Managing Editor of News18.com.
- Rai will oversee the network’s digital operations across English, Hindi, and regional languages, aiming for deeper integration between TV and digital newsrooms.
What’s Next for Palki Sharma and Vantage?
While Sharma has resigned, she will remain with Firstpost until March 2026 to ensure a seamless transition of responsibilities.
The future of Vantage remains a topic of intense speculation among viewers who have grown accustomed to her signature style of “presenting global news through an Indian lens.” Whether the show will continue with a new host or undergo a rebranding remains to be seen as Firstpost enters this new phase of editorial evolution.
Vineet Gupta is the Founder and Managing Editor of PuneNow, where he oversees local news delivery and explores mindful living, parenting, and personal growth. An alumnus of the University of Wales, Vineet has travelled extensively and worked across hospitality, finance, and academia. Now based in Pune, his diverse global background informs his hyper-local perspective, helping the community find meaning, balance, and connection in everyday life.
