Celebrating Grassroots Reporting and Community Journalism in India
The Sadhana Hyper-Local Journalism Awards, an initiative spearheaded by Satish Raj Goravigere, founder of Kannada News Today, are set to debut in January 2026 in Hyderabad. This unique event will honor the outstanding efforts of local journalists, community reporters, and digital content creators who focus on highlighting issues impacting grassroots communities across India.
Launched in 2019, Kannada News Today has been a pioneer in the regional news landscape, and this awards program reflects its commitment to uplifting hyper-local journalism. The initiative seeks to fill a gap in the Indian media space, where local stories often lack visibility compared to national and international headlines. The awards will bring much-needed recognition to journalists covering stories that deeply impact smaller communities.
Recognizing Excellence in Hyper-Local Journalism
The Sadhana Hyper-Local Journalism Awards will feature categories that celebrate various aspects of grassroots reporting:
- Best Hyper-Local Story of the Year
- Outstanding Community Reporting
- Grassroots Journalism Impact
- Emerging Hyper-Local Journalist
- Digital Innovation in Local Media
By spotlighting exceptional talent in these areas, the awards aim to inspire more journalists to focus on community-driven storytelling and encourage innovation in regional reporting.
Organized by Kannada News Today and Timesnib
The awards are organized by Kannada News Today, in collaboration with its sister platform, Timesnib, another initiative led by Satish Raj Goravigere. Timesnib complements Kannada News Today’s focus on regional content by catering to English-speaking audiences. Together, these platforms emphasize the importance of local journalism in bridging information gaps within communities.
To ensure a fair and transparent selection process, the awards will be judged by a panel of veteran journalists, media professionals, and digital content innovators with extensive experience in the industry.
Supporting Regional Journalists
Hyper-local journalists face numerous challenges, including limited resources, lack of recognition, and infrastructural constraints, particularly in rural areas. The Sadhana Awards aim to shine a light on their efforts and provide them with a platform to gain national visibility, fostering a culture of appreciation for their impactful work.
Workshops and Networking Opportunities
Beyond recognizing winners, the event will include workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions to support professional growth among attendees. These sessions will feature industry leaders who will share strategies for navigating challenges in hyper-local journalism and improving reporting standards.
Emerging journalists will also have the opportunity to connect with experienced professionals, creating pathways for collaboration and mentorship within the journalism community.
The Importance of Grassroots Journalism
Local journalism plays an essential role in informing communities about critical issues, fostering civic engagement, and holding institutions accountable. The Sadhana Hyper-Local Journalism Awards aim to amplify these contributions, emphasizing the need for accurate and ethical reporting at the grassroots level.
Industry Reactions
The media industry has lauded the launch of this initiative, recognizing its potential to uplift regional journalism. “Local stories often shape the core of journalism, yet they rarely receive the attention they deserve. This initiative is a commendable step toward empowering grassroots reporters,” commented a senior media professional.
Looking Ahead
With the countdown to January 2026 underway, the Sadhana Hyper-Local Journalism Awards promise to be a landmark event for regional journalism in India. The awards will not only celebrate the achievements of local journalists but also inspire a new generation of storytellers to embrace the power of community-based reporting