Times Network's Puja Sethi, Who Was Cleaning Up “Paid News” Syndicate, Sent on Garden Leave

Times Now’s newly appointed Managing Editor, Puja Sethi, has reportedly been asked to step aside, a development that has sent ripples through the media industry. Known for her strong editorial judgement and no-nonsense leadership style, Sethi previously served in senior roles at Zee News and India TV, including as Group Editor.

Sources say that her arrival at Times Now created friction with some long-standing members of the organisation. While Sethi pushed for tighter editorial discipline and structural reforms, sections of the old guard were allegedly resistant to the changes, leading to frequent internal disagreements.

A key flashpoint, according to insiders, was Sethi’s aggressive crackdown on paid news (mostly in - Markets and Real Estate) and unethical content deals. She had initiated a detailed audit of Times Digital operations, where the business platform ET Now and parts of Times Now’s digital wing were allegedly carrying paid content and copied material in exchange for high fees (bribery).

Sethi is said to have swiftly identified internal leak points and launched corrective action. During the clean-up exercise, one senior team member was reportedly found involved and was removed from the organisation. The internal action also resulted in the exit of a few journalists allegedly linked to unethical practices.

However, the crackdown is believed to have unsettled several powerful individuals who were uncomfortable with the tightening of editorial controls. This reportedly led to pushback against Sethi at higher levels.

Despite her reputation for strengthening newsrooms — including her earlier contributions at India.com, India TV and other organisations — Sethi appears to have faced entrenched resistance at Times Now.

While she was working to enforce higher editorial standards, it seems the organisation may not have been fully prepared for the disruption her reforms were bringing.