(S.R.Seshu)
One of the senior most journalists in Telugu journalism, Mr.Kommineni Srinivasa Rao (KSR), finally announced his exit from N-TV, where he worked as the Chief Editor and Hon. Chief Editor for seven long years. Few weeks ago,he had announced about ending “Live Show with KSR” program, yesterday stated he is quitting NTV in it’s entirety. In his website he made a brief announcement (titled: N-TV nunchi vaidoligaa: Kommineni) to this effect in his website. Mr.KSR, who earned good/ bad/ worst name for his live show every morning, is rumored to have joined Sakshi TV channel.
Mr. KSR indirectly made a dig at the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Mr.N.Chandrababu Naidu for his decision to quit N-TV, which improved his popularity ratings. “I had already given reasons for the withdrawal of that show. Unfortunately, there is lack of democratic spirit in the powers-that-be. Situation has been created wherein there is no scope for difference of opinions. Though I wanted to wait for some more days, I quit because I thought self-respect is important,” Mr.KSR maintained and profoundly thanked N-TV management for taking care of him so far.
As we are publishing this story, Sakshi sources said that Mr.KSR has joined them and an announcement will be made soon. Mr.KSR, who cut his teeth with Eenadu, joined journalism way back in 1978. He worked with Eenadu (1978-2002), Andhra Jyothi (2002-2006), N-TV (2007), TV-5 (2007-2009) and N-TV (2009-2016). He used to be a key member of ‘Ramoji’s think tank’ that transformed the political landscape of the then Andhra Pradesh. However, the Man Friday of Ramoji lost his faith for unknown reasons and was shunted to New Delhi forcing him to quit. Mr. Chandrababu, instead of being thankful to Mr.KSR for his contribution to his political growth, developed grudge against the latter due to some pro-Jagan surveys and anti-TDP remarks.
“KSR in fact prefers to be in comfort zone. He has not worked with any organization that is not belonged to his caste. It may be mere coincidence and nothing to do with journalistic capabilities. If he joins in Sakshi, completely dominated by Reddy community, I don’t know how he is going to get along,” a senior journalist commented.