User:Vivekavasthi/sandbox

Vivek Avasthi is a journalist hailing from Lucknow and settled in Noida. Born on July 1, 1970, he had his education in St. Francis' College and then graduated from Lucknow University in 1991. Fresh out of university, Without any degree or diploma in journalism, he was selected as a Trainee Reporter by The Patriot newspaper of New Delhi in 1992.

Also worked with Hindustan Times (Evening News) and The Pioneer before getting on the television bandwagon with the first private satellite news television channel of the country – BI TV. His father late Mr. Ram Krishna Avasthi was a veteran journalist in Lucknow who headed National Herald and Northern India Patrika newspapers Joined Aaj Tak, in its first avatar, when it was launched by Late Mr. S.P. Singh as a 30-minute news capsule on the Metro Channel of Doordarshan. As a Crime Reporter, covered major bomb blasts, rail tragedies and air crashes in and around the Capital. As a court reporter, covered all major legal cases in all the trial courts of Delhi and the Delhi High Courts. Joined Zee News as Special Correspondent in 1997. Apart from regular political and Parliament coverage, reported on subjects of foreign affairs and diplomacy. Was entrusted with the responsibility of setting up of the Uttar Pradesh Bureau in Lucknow in 2001. Worked in the start up team of Star News when Star and NDTV parted ways and Star News launched its own channel. Joined as Bureau Chief of Uttar Pradesh and later shifted to New Delhi to head Assignment team. Was once again associated with Aaj Tak of TV Today Network and was instrumental in the successful launch of its NCR channel Dilli Aaj Tak. Was also associated with IBN7 news channel of Network 18 as the Assignment Head. The role was to interact with all bureaus and stringers across the nation, apart from forward planning for upcoming big events. Later, launched a Uttar Pradesh-Uttaranchal Channel – UP NEWS as its News Director. At present, working as Executive Editor for a start up Digital Media firm – Steve Medius Private Limited, in association with Amar Ujala Group of Newspapers. Bold text Vivek Avasthi is also a freelance writer for www.firstpost.com, www.thequint.com , Governance Now, the fortnightly English magazine of Sri Adhikari Brothers and some other news sites as well.