Just in, just out: Kalbag, HT part ways

After all the talk about Chaitanya Kalbag joining HT Media as editor-in-chief of ‘Hindustan Times’ on September 1, 2006, news now comes that he has quit. Kalbag confirms, “I am no longer with HT Media as of Friday evening.”

Kalbag was managing editor, Reuters Asia, before he joined ‘Hindustan Times’.

Kalbag’s is the second big ticket movement out of HT Media this year; the first was when Vir Sanghvi decided to move out of his active role as editorial director to a non-active one as editorial advisor. Sanghvi is with Indrani Muherjee’s INX Media, working as CEO of the group’s upcoming news and general entertainment channels.

When quizzed about his next move, Kalbag said it was too early to take the next step.

As per sources, HT Media vice-chairperson Shobhana Bhartia will take over the role of editor-in-chief till a permanent editorial head is found. With the story breaking over the weekend, HT Media’s management couldn’t be contacted.

But speculation is high that the recently appointed managing editor, Pankaj Paul, may be considered for the top job, especially keeping in mind the timing of his appointment. Paul’s last assignment was with ‘The News Journal’ at Wilmington, where he worked as managing editor of niche and new initiatives.

Kalbag joined Reuters in New Delhi in 1983, and moved to Manila in 1987. In 1988, he became chief sub-editor on the Hong Kong economic desk. In 1991, he moved to Tokyo, and in 1993, he was appointed editor, news production, Japan. In 1997, he became bureau chief, India, responsible for India, Nepal and Bhutan. He then became managing director, Reuters India, and manager, South Asia, based in Mumbai.