Binoy Prabhakar Appointed Chief Content Officer of Firstpost  

Firstpost has announced the appointment of veteran journalist Binoy Prabhakar as its Chief Content Officer. With 25 years of editorial experience across leading Indian media organisations, Prabhakar will spearhead Firstpost’s next phase of growth. The announcement was made by Santosh Menon in an internal communication, highlighting his proven digital leadership.  

Firstpost, one of India’s prominent digital-first news platforms, has appointed Binoy Prabhakar as its Chief Content Officer, marking a significant moment in the brand’s editorial journey. The announcement was shared internally by Santosh Menon, Chief Content Officer, Network18. The importance of the leadership change at a time when digital media is undergoing rapid transformation.  

Prabhakar, a seasoned journalist with over 25 years of experience, brings with him a formidable track record across some of India’s most respected media organisations. His career spans editorial leadership roles at Hindustan Times, The Economic Times, and The Indian Express, as well as key positions within Network18’s digital properties, including Moneycontrol and CNBCTV18.com. This breadth of experience positions him uniquely to steer Firstpost into its next phase of growth, where content strategy and digital innovation are expected to play defining roles.  

In the internal communication, Menon expressed enthusiasm about Prabhakar’s arrival, describing him as a “highly seasoned editor with a strong track record.” The note highlighted his ability to build and lead digital news operations, a skill set that has become increasingly vital as audiences migrate to online platforms and demand sharper, more engaging content experiences. “Binoy brings deep editorial expertise of 25 years, and a proven track record in building and leading digital news operations. He joins us as Chief Content Officer of Firstpost to guide and strengthen our editorial direction in the exciting next phase of the brand,” the communication stated.  

Prabhakar’s appointment comes at a time when Firstpost is seeking to consolidate its position in India’s competitive digital news ecosystem. With the proliferation of online platforms and the growing importance of multimedia storytelling, the role of Chief Content Officer is central to shaping the editorial voice and ensuring relevance in a crowded marketplace. His leadership is expected to focus on enhancing the brand’s credibility, expanding its reach, and deepening engagement with audiences who increasingly consume news across mobile and social platforms.  

Over the years, Prabhakar has earned a reputation for combining editorial rigor with digital savvy. At Hindustan Times, he was part of the team that modernised newsroom practices to adapt to changing reader habits. At The Economic Times, he contributed to strengthening the brand’s business journalism, while his tenure at The Indian Express reinforced his grounding in traditional reporting excellence. His more recent roles at Moneycontrol and CNBCTV18.com demonstrated his ability to lead digital-first operations, where speed, accuracy, and innovation are paramount.  

Industry observers note that his appointment signals Firstpost’s intent to sharpen its editorial identity and invest in leadership that understands both legacy journalism and the demands of digital transformation. As newsrooms grapple with challenges ranging from misinformation to audience fragmentation, Prabhakar’s blend of experience is seen as a strategic asset. His ability to balance editorial integrity with the imperatives of digital growth is likely to be tested as Firstpost navigates the next chapter of its evolution.  

The move also reflects a broader trend in Indian media, where digital platforms are increasingly recruiting seasoned editors to anchor their editorial strategies. With audiences expecting not just breaking news but also analysis, context, and multimedia formats, the role of editorial leadership has expanded beyond traditional boundaries. Prabhakar’s appointment is therefore not just about filling a senior role but about redefining how Firstpost positions itself in the digital landscape.  

For Firstpost, which has built a reputation for incisive commentary and in-depth reporting, the challenge ahead lies in sustaining quality while scaling reach. Prabhakar’s leadership is expected to bring renewed focus on editorial excellence, while also exploring innovative formats that resonate with younger, digitally native audiences. His track record suggests an ability to build teams that are agile, responsive, and committed to journalistic values, qualities that will be crucial in the current environment.  

As the media industry continues to evolve, the appointment of Binoy Prabhakar as Chief Content Officer is being seen as a decisive step for Firstpost. It signals confidence in his ability to guide the brand through a period of change and opportunity, ensuring that it remains a trusted destination for news and analysis. For Prabhakar, it is both a return to familiar terrain within the Network18 group and a new challenge that will test his skills in shaping editorial direction at scale.  

With this appointment, Firstpost has placed its editorial future in the hands of a leader who embodies both tradition and transformation. The coming months will reveal how Prabhakar’s vision translates into content strategy, audience engagement, and brand growth, but the announcement has already set expectations high within the industry.