Jacob Mathew, an internationally acclaimed journalist with over 30 years of experience, has been named Network Coordinating Editor at TV9. Known for covering India’s major political, social, and crisis events, mentoring future journalists, and humanitarian contributions, Mathew’s appointment underscores his leadership, editorial expertise, and enduring impact on Indian media.
Jacob Mathew’s elevation to the role of Network Coordinating Editor at Associated Broadcasting Co. Pvt. Ltd (TV9) marks a milestone in a career that spans more than three decades of unwavering commitment to journalism, storytelling, and social responsibility. Renowned internationally for his incisive reporting, Mathew has been an eyewitness to India’s evolving political landscape, catastrophic events, and transformative social moments since he began his professional journey in 1994. His appointment to this senior editorial position is both a recognition of his illustrious career and an affirmation of the values he has consistently upheld: integrity, dedication, and a focus on truth.
From the early days of his career, Mathew demonstrated a flair for both narrative and investigative journalism. He started in 1994 with the feature film “Tatva,” a project that marked the beginning of his foray into media. Soon after, he gained international exposure through the Indo-French award-winning television series “Heritage of India,” which highlighted India’s rich cultural legacy. These early experiences honed his storytelling skills and set the stage for his later work with prominent media organizations such as ANI- Reuters, CNN-IBN, News24, India TV, Duniya Vision (French TV), and feature films including “Tattva.”
Throughout his career, Mathew has consistently been at the forefront of major national and international events. His reporting has covered political, crime, and sports arenas with equal depth and precision. Over the years, he has witnessed the fortunes of six Prime Ministers of India—from the late PV Narasimha Rao, late IK Gujral, HD Deve Gowda, and late Atal Bihari Vajpayee to Manmohan Singh and Narendra Modi—through nine general elections. His experience spans critical terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, the devastating earthquake in Bhuj, and the Mumbai terror attacks, where he served on the Assignment Desk. His extensive coverage has provided the public with clarity during moments of national crisis, reinforcing the role of media as the fourth pillar of democracy.
Mathew’s professional excellence has been recognized through numerous accolades. In 2023, he received the “Atal Mithila Award,” established in the name of former Prime Minister Late Atal Bihari Vajpayee, honoring his contribution to media. He was also the recipient of the “Shaksiyat Awards” in 2022, presented by the Governor of Odisha, acknowledging his longstanding contributions to journalism. Other awards, including the “Indywood Excellence Awards” in 2017 and recognition from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) in 2002, highlight his dual commitment to professional excellence and social service.
Beyond his achievements in journalism, Mathew’s contributions extend into the educational sphere. As Director of the Institute of Studies in Media and Entertainment Systems (ISOMES), part of the BAG Network, he has guided one of India’s leading media institutes, mentoring the next generation of journalists and media professionals. His guidance has emphasized the importance of ethical reporting, technical competence, and an understanding of the evolving global media landscape. His leadership at ISOMES has created pathways for students to develop practical skills while adhering to the values of responsible journalism.
Mathew’s multifaceted career also reveals a man of extraordinary discipline and achievement beyond the newsroom. As a prolific sportsperson during his school years, he accumulated numerous accolades in athletics, winning a gold medal at the national school games in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, a bronze medal representing Delhi in the inter-state school games in Cuttack, a silver medal in the inter-zone athletics meet in Jammu, and gold at YMCA events. These sporting accomplishments reflect qualities of resilience, focus, and competitiveness—traits that have informed his approach to journalism.
Another defining aspect of Jacob Mathew’s career is his humanitarian contribution through journalism. He has consistently used his position to assist those in need, often intervening during crises to provide support to marginalized communities. During his reporting in Kashmir, he helped provide aid to families near the India-Pakistan border, arranged support for families affected by relocation drives, and collaborated with NGOs to ensure basic amenities for orphaned children. His efforts to assist media professionals in dire situations further underscore his role as a mentor and protector within the industry. In this way, Mathew has demonstrated that journalism is not merely about reporting events but also about translating visibility into tangible social impact.
His appointment as Network Coordinating Editor is expected to leverage his vast experience in political reporting, crisis journalism, and international media collaboration. In this senior role, Mathew will coordinate news operations across TV9’s extensive network, ensuring that coverage maintains the highest standards of accuracy, clarity, and timeliness. His presence at the helm promises a blend of seasoned judgment, editorial integrity, and strategic vision, essential for managing one of India’s leading news networks in an era of rapid information dissemination.
Mathew’s career trajectory is a testament to the evolution of modern Indian journalism. Starting with culturally rich storytelling and international collaborations, moving through high-stakes political and crisis reporting, and culminating in leadership roles that influence the direction of media education and news production, he embodies the adaptability and depth required in contemporary journalism. His global exposure and multi-platform expertise equip him to handle the challenges of a rapidly digitizing media landscape while retaining the core principles of investigative rigor and public service.
In his new role, Mathew is positioned to influence both content strategy and operational efficiency. Coordinating multiple bureaus, managing editorial teams, and overseeing coverage of complex events require not just experience but a nuanced understanding of audience needs, media ethics, and technological integration. His prior experience at international media organizations, along with his grounding in Indian political, social, and crisis reporting, ensures that he brings both local insight and global perspective to TV9’s operations.
Jacob Mathew’s journey also illustrates the vital intersection of professionalism, mentorship, and social responsibility. Beyond breaking news and political analysis, he has consistently worked to uplift colleagues, assist vulnerable populations, and contribute to the education of aspiring journalists. In an era where media faces scrutiny and challenges from multiple fronts, his career stands as a benchmark for integrity, resilience, and impact-driven journalism.
As he steps into the role of Network Coordinating Editor, the expectations for Mathew are immense, yet his career history demonstrates an exceptional ability to meet such challenges. From covering national disasters and terror attacks to shaping the next generation of media professionals, his record reflects both depth and breadth, positioning him as a leader capable of guiding TV9 into a future that demands speed, accuracy, and thoughtful editorial judgment.
Jacob Mathew’s appointment is not just a professional elevation; it is an acknowledgment of decades of exemplary service to journalism, education, and humanitarian efforts. His leadership promises to strengthen TV9’s network, enhance its journalistic rigor, and continue a legacy of responsible, high-impact reporting. With his experience, awards, and commitment to both media excellence and social contribution, Mathew represents a rare combination of seasoned editorial acumen and human-centered leadership, setting the stage for a transformative era in Indian broadcasting.
