Debut of Sadhana Hyper-Local Journalism Awards to Celebrate Grassroots Media in 2026

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In January 2026, a new and exciting chapter in Indian journalism will unfold with the launch of the Sadhana Hyper-Local Journalism Awards. This groundbreaking initiative, spearheaded by Satish Raj Goravigere the founder of Kannada News Today which founded in 2019 and Timesnib aims to shine a much-needed spotlight on local journalism and the reporters working tirelessly in India’s rural heartlands.

Honoring Grassroots Reporting: The Need for Recognition

As the media landscape has evolved, there has been a growing shift towards national and global stories, sometimes at the expense of local reporting. Yet, it’s local journalists, often working in small towns and rural areas, who capture the essence of their communities and bring forward the stories that matter most. Through these awards, Satish Raj Goravigere seeks to re-establish the importance of hyper-local journalism and recognize the valuable contributions of these journalists.

Empowering Local Voices
Hyper-local journalism has always struggled with limited recognition and resources. Rural reporters often find themselves working in challenging environments with minimal support, yet they continue to cover critical stories about local issues. The Sadhana Awards will help elevate their work, ensuring these journalists receive the acknowledgment they deserve. This initiative also offers a national stage for their stories, giving them a broader audience while celebrating their impact on the community.

Diverse Categories to Celebrate Excellence
The Sadhana Awards will feature multiple categories to recognize excellence in various aspects of local journalism. From outstanding reporting on rural issues to innovative digital content creation, these awards will cover a wide range of work, giving visibility to the diverse talents in the media landscape. This focus on hyper-local journalism is designed to encourage further innovation and storytelling that speaks to the grassroots.

Collaboration with Industry Leaders
Organized in collaboration with Kannada News Today and Timesnib , the Sadhana Awards will also benefit from the guidance and expertise of a distinguished panel of media professionals, including senior journalists, experts, and digital media specialists. This ensures that the selection process remains credible, transparent, and highly respected within the industry.

Beyond the Awards: Building a Future for Local Journalists
The Sadhana Awards aren’t just about honoring winners—they will also feature workshops and networking sessions aimed at providing practical, career-building opportunities for journalists. These sessions will bring together seasoned professionals and budding reporters, offering a space for the exchange of ideas and experiences. The goal is to foster the growth of emerging journalists and help them overcome the unique challenges they face in hyper-local media.

A Transformative Moment for Grassroots Journalism
The Sadhana Hyper-Local Journalism Awards, scheduled for January 2026, promises to be a game-changer for local media in India. By recognizing the vital role local journalists play, this initiative will provide a platform for rural stories to reach a wider audience, encouraging further innovation and creativity in grassroots media. More than just an awards program, this event marks a significant milestone in the evolution of Indian journalism, redefining how we value local reporting and its impact on society.

As the media world looks to the future, initiatives like the Sadhana Awards are setting the stage for a more inclusive, diverse, and representative media landscape—one where local stories are given the attention they deserve, and the voices of grassroots reporters are amplified across the nation.

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