HIS rise has been meteoric, and his influence will now stretch to those decision-makers Amol Rajan will hold to account on Britain’s top political programme – BBC Radio 4’s Today.
Speaking on the condition of anonymity one media insider told the GG2 Power List, “Amol is perfect for this programme. His approach is a mix of Del boy, but don’t be fooled nothing is left to chance. He will make his mark and he will get things out of the politicians he interrogates.”
Another BBC insider described how Rajan knew his worth as soon as he stepped inside the corporation. “Many of us of colour are wary of blowing our own trumpet. But with Amol, he came in and soon made his mark. Nothing fazes him and somehow, he has people wrapped around his little finger. What’s more he’s not afraid to let people know he knows he’s young and talented.”
Rajan was born in Kolkata, India, in 1983 and came to the UK with his parents when he was three.
He read English at the University of Cambridge, editing the Varsity newspaper for a term. After graduating Rajan worked briefly for the Evening Standard and Channel 5.
His appearance on the channel’s Wright Stuff is captured on YouTube. Dressed in a black tee shirt and jeans, the young Rajan interviewed a member of the audience.
Those who worked with him told the GG2 Power List that Rajan was an “insider and trusted adviser” of the Russian owner of the Independent, Evgeny Lebedev.
So, it was no surprise when Ledbedev appointed him editor aged 29. Rajan was the first, and only so far, non-white editor of a national daily newspaper.
“He knew what he wanted,” said one colleague who did not want to be identified.
“Amol had a vision and could get work out of journalists who had much more experience than him.
“He simply charmed them, and he knows what buttons to press. I’ve never seen him lose his temper or stomp and shout as some Fleet Street editors have.”
In 2016, Lebedev decided that his paper would be online only, and appointed Rajan as editor-at-large.
It was a role he did for a under nine months joining the BBC as its first media editor in November 2016.
At the time, Rajan said of his appointment, “I am thrilled to accept this challenge. The revolution in media is upending politics, business and culture across the globe. From the role of fake news in elections, to the filter bubbles created by Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter and the rest, the new news is changing how we live.
“Meanwhile, the worlds of print, television and advertising face daunting financial futures – while the BBC embarks on a whole new chapter of its own following Charter Renewal.
It’s a vast brief but I am relishing the chance to get stuck in – and hugely excited to continue presenting on Asian Network.”
But soon his knowledge of his profession’s landscape found a home of Radio 4’s Media Show, replacing the late Steve Hewlett.
Rajan is now a familiar face on television and voice on radio. At 37, he takes over the seat vacated by John Humphrys.
He Tweeted, “Enormously humbled and thrilled to join the presenting line-up on @BBCr4today, alongside a team of greats on and off air.
“Will try to do everyone proud.” No-one will bet otherwise.
