Sadhana Hyper-Local Journalism Awards to Launch in January 2026

In a groundbreaking move to celebrate and uplift hyper-local journalism in India, Kannada News Today has announced the launch of the “Sadhana Hyper-Local Journalism Awards.” Scheduled to debut in January 2026, the awards aim to recognize the tireless efforts of local journalists, grassroots reporters, and community-driven content creators. The program will be hosted in Hyderabad, marking a significant milestone in the recognition of regional journalism.

Fostering Excellence in Regional Reporting

The “Sadhana Hyper-Local Journalism Awards” will be the first of its kind in India, designed to bring the spotlight onto stories that resonate deeply with local communities. With categories such as:

• Best Hyper-Local Story of the Year

• Excellence in Community Reporting

• Grassroots Impact Award

• Emerging Hyper-Local Journalist

• Digital Innovation in Hyper-Local Media

the awards are expected to inspire a new wave of interest in grassroots journalism.

Collaborative Effort for Greater Impact

Organized by Kannada News Today in collaboration with Timesnib and other digital media outlets, the initiative underscores a growing commitment to promoting regional voices. The awards will feature a diverse jury panel comprising senior journalists, media educators, and digital media experts. This collaborative effort aims to encourage fair, ethical, and impactful journalism at the local level.

Program Highlights

The event in Hyderabad will not only celebrate excellence but also include:

• Workshops and Seminars led by renowned journalists and industry leaders.

• Networking Opportunities for budding reporters and media professionals.

• Interactive Panels discussing the challenges and opportunities in hyper-local journalism.

Bridging a Critical Gap

Hyper-local journalism often struggles to gain the recognition it deserves, overshadowed by national and international media narratives. This initiative, spearheaded by Kannada News Today, seeks to address that gap, empowering smaller regions and providing them with a voice in the larger media ecosystem.

Industry Reactions

Prominent media personalities have lauded the move, highlighting its potential to transform the landscape of journalism in India. “Local stories are the backbone of journalism. Recognizing grassroots reporters not only validates their efforts but also strengthens the connection between media and communities,” said a senior media expert.

A Commitment to Ethical Journalism

Speaking about the awards, Satish Raj Goravigere, Founder of Kannada News Today and Timesnib, emphasized the importance of ethical reporting:

"Our goal with the Sadhana Awards is to inspire journalists to continue uncovering impactful stories while adhering to ethical practices. Hyper-local journalism is a lifeline for many communities, and it’s time we celebrate and support it.”

Recognition with Purpose

The winners will receive trophies, certificates, and opportunities for mentoring by industry leaders. As the countdown to January 2026 begins, the Sadhana Hyper-Local Journalism Awards promises to set a new benchmark for acknowledging excellence in the often-overlooked domain of hyper-local journalism.

For more updates, interested participants and media outlets are encouraged to visit the official websites of Kannada News Today and Timesnib