John Brittas
Indian Journalist, Television Executive and Member of Parliament
John Brittas is a distinguished Indian journalist, media executive, and politician known for his influential contributions to television journalism and public affairs. With decades of experience in the media industry, he played a key role in shaping Malayalam television news before entering public life. As a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha, he continues to be an active voice on issues related to governance, media, education, labour, and social justice.
Key Facts
• Full Name: John Brittas
• Born: 15 July 1966
• Birthplace: Kottayam, Kerala, India
• Profession: Journalist, Television Executive, Politician
• Political Party: Communist Party of India (Marxist) – CPI(M)
• Current Position: Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) representing Kerala
John Brittas is an Indian journalist, media executive, and politician associated with the Communist Party of India (Marxist). Since June 2021, he has served as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha, where he currently holds the position of Deputy Parliamentary Party Leader for CPI(M).
Alongside politics, he is closely associated with Malayalam Communications Ltd., the company behind Kairali TV and Kairali News, where he serves as Managing Director and Chief Editor. Earlier in his media career, he also worked as Business Head of Asianet, one of South India’s leading entertainment channels.
Brittas has also been part of key parliamentary committees, including those related to Electronics and Information Technology and External Affairs. His participation in parliamentary work has often been noted for its consistency, with frequent interventions in debates, questions, and legislative discussions.
Early Life and Education
Born on 15 May 1966 in Naduvil, Kannur district, John Brittas grew up in a modest household as the son of A. P. Paily and Annamma.
His schooling took him across Kerala, including Don Bosco Higher Secondary School in Mannuthy. He went on to study political science at Payyanur College and later completed his master’s degree at Sree Kerala Varma College, Thrissur.
Law studies at Kerala Law Academy College, Thiruvananthapuram, saw him graduate with top rank. He later pursued higher academic research at Jawaharlal Nehru University, completing both MPhil and a PhD. During his student years, he was actively involved in student politics and held leadership roles in university unions.
Entry into Journalism
Brittas did not initially set out with a fixed media career plan. His entry into journalism came through an application for a sub-editor’s post at Deshabhimani, the CPI(M)-aligned newspaper. What began as a job opportunity gradually became a long professional journey.
While continuing his higher studies in Delhi, he worked with the paper’s Delhi bureau. Those years placed him close to major political developments in the country, giving him early exposure to national-level reporting and political journalism.
He later covered key political events including general elections in India, developments in Nepal after the death of King Birendra, and was among the early Indian journalists to report from Baghdad during the Iraq war in 2003.
Rise in Television Media
With the launch of Kairali TV in 2000, Brittas transitioned into television journalism, heading the channel’s Delhi bureau before being elevated to Managing Director at its Thiruvananthapuram headquarters.
After more than a decade with Malayalam Communications Ltd., he briefly moved to Asianet as Business Head in 2011, before returning to Kairali TV in 2013.
Over the years, he became a familiar face through interview-based programs such as Question Time, Crossfire, JB Junction, Nammal Thammil, and Njan Malayalee. These shows often focused on politics, public issues, and cultural conversations, building a strong viewer base.
Parliament and Public Role
In 2021, John Brittas entered the Rajya Sabha representing CPI(M). Since then, he has emerged as an active participant in parliamentary discussions, frequently engaging in debates and raising questions across policy areas.
His maiden speech in the Upper House, focused on judicial appointments and the role of the judiciary, received notable attention within parliamentary circles.
He is also part of consultative and standing committees linked to technology and external affairs, reflecting his involvement in policy-related discussions beyond media and communication.
Writing, Books, and Screen Presence
Apart from journalism and politics, Brittas has authored several Malayalam books, including works such as Chillujalakakkootil, Innocent Samsarikunnu, Malayalathinte Manavikatha, Sthreeparvam, and Marayillathe.
He also appeared in the Malayalam film Vellivelichathil (2014) in a lead role, marking a brief but notable entry into cinema.
Recognition
Brittas received the Journalism Educational Award from the Goenka Foundation for his research on “The Impact of Globalization in Print Media.”
Television Career (Selected Programs)
2008–2010 — Question Time (Kairali TV)
2010–2011 — Crossfire (Kairali TV)
2012–2013 — Nammal Thammil (Asianet)
2014–2020 — J.B. Junction (Kairali TV)
2018–2020 — Njan Malayalee (Kairali TV)
2021 — Votography (Kairali TV)
A Career at the Intersection of Media and Politics
John Brittas’ professional journey spans journalism, television leadership, authorship, and active politics. Moving between newsroom, studio, and Parliament, his career reflects a consistent presence in public discourse—particularly around political communication and contemporary social issues.
