Sudhir Chaudhary took a couple of weeks, and many rounds of intense interactions with close friends before deciding to quit Zee, to chart out an independent course to prove his mettle on a new platform.
Clearly TV Today's flagship Aaj Tak took this bold initiative after losing the race for number one tag.
It is hoped that Sudhir Chaudhary's huge fan following will shift loyalty with him and Aaj Tak may be the nett gainer. This tectonic shift could change the media scene in a significant manner, as the ultra right swing by a leading news channel of the country may have a ripple effect.
Media critics point out that Aaj Tak was left with a huge void after Rohit Sardana's abrupt and sad exit. Rohit too took several months to establish his credentials and image. However Rohit's larger than life image proved a huge gain for Aaj Tak.
Most media critics feel Chaudhary's stature and profile can not be matched with other anchors or news presenters.
A look at his social media standing, in terms of his fan following, proves beyond doubt his hold on media and his current status.
With 70 lakh Twitter followers, 27 lakh Facebook followers, seven lakh Instagram followers, Sudhir Choudhary, is way ahead of his contemporaries.
Really, his super power status in the media, will give a boost to his new employers.
Chaudhary is presently counted among ten most influential media personalities.
Insiders claim that the "master stroke" was master minded by group's head Supriya Prasad.
Actually, planning for Operation SC, began in May when Sudhir did not present his show on Zee, for one week.