The media industry is one of the most challenging businesses to succeed in. It’s a field full of challenges, Where generating revenue and meeting return on investment (ROI) is challenging and staying profitable is tough. This profession is not easy, especially when it involves learning an entirely new set of skills. To achieve success, one must work hard and make many sacrifices. Over time, experience and expertise grow, and those who persevere often become leaders and inspirations for future generations. Assam has its share of such successful individuals, and one of them is Moonjyoti Saikia. Moonjyoti Saikia has been the driving force behind two well-known publications in Assam. He successfully managed the popular magazine Bichurita Bornali and the weekly Assamese newspaper Bhal Khabar. Under his leadership, these publications grew in popularity and became trusted sources of news and information for many readers in Assam. Launched in 2010, Bichurita Bornali successfuly published till 2022. Saikia didn’t stop there. He also served as the Business Head for several other media outlets in Assam. His skills in managing and growing media businesses made him a respected figure in the industry. Electronic media made a significant impact in Assam not too long ago, although All India Radio (Akashvani) had been around since the late 1940s. Doordarshan, India’s national television broadcaster, started in Assam in the mid-1980s. It introduced viewers to limited but impactful programs. However, the arrival of private satellite television channels truly changed the way people watched TV, offering a variety of content that catered to different tastes. The success of these private channels, whether in news or entertainment, heavily relies on their advertising and media marketing departments. A strong and active marketing team is crucial for their smooth operation.
During the early days of private television channels in India, Moonjyoti Saikia saw an opportunity in this field. After completing his graduation from Gauhati Commerce College, he done Masters from one of India’s top Management college Symbiosis college in Pune. With a Postgraduate Diploma in Personnel Management from a New Delhi institute, Moonjyoti Saikia chose to take on the challenge of media marketing instead of opting for a more secure government job. He began his career as the head of the advertising and marketing department at North East Television (NETV), Assam’s first satellite television channel. His business sense and management skills helped NETV reach new heights in programming, advertising, and marketing. Notably, he was involved in innovative programs like People’s Choice Awards and Voice of Assam , Northeast popular Brand Awards, NorthoMusic Festival etc. Later, he moved to the newly established News Live channel. He associated with News Live and Rang as General Manager, later he was Chief Marketing and sales Adviser in Pratidin Time, Business Head of Assam Talks and later NKTV group. Presently he is associated with Pratham Khabar 24×7 and news portal Desh Today as chief operating officer (COO).
In recognition of his hard work and success in the media industry, Moonjyoti Saikia was honored with the Mother Teresa Excellence Award in 2013. This prestigious award was given to him by Rabiranjan Chattopadhyay, who was the Minister of Science and Technology and Biotechnology in West Bengal at the time. This award highlighted Saikia’s contributions not only to Assam but also to the broader media landscape. Moonjyoti Saikia’s talents are not limited to print and television media. He also ventured into filmmaking, producing a documentary titled Alone in the Combat Zone. This powerful documentary earned him the Best Documentary Film Award from the Government of Assam. The film was praised for its honest portrayal of the struggles faced by people in conflict zones, and it showcased Saikia’s ability to tell important stories through film. Moonjyoti Saikia’s journey in the media industry is a story of determination and success. He has shown that with hard work, vision, and a deep understanding of what people want, it is possible to succeed even in the most challenging industries. His work in the media industry and award-winning documentary has left a lasting impact on the media industry in Assam. Saikia’s story is an inspiration to many, proving that with passion and perseverance, one can achieve great things, even in the toughest of industries. Moonjoti Saikia always inspires young generation to join in this industry he was even invited by Indira Gandhi National Open University and Royal Global University as guest faculty. We wish Moonjyoti Saikia continues his work and inspire next generation.
– Nitish Sarmah
