The Hyderabad edition of The Hindu has journeyed from ticker copies to a web‑first strategy over five decades, strengthening its digital presence and enhancing reader experience.
- Technological evolution over five decades
- Development of the editorial framework in Hyderabad
- Shift to a web‑first strategy strengthening digital presence
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Hyderabad edition of The Hindu has evolved from ticker copies to a digital-first newsroom, reflecting broader shifts in media consumption.
In its early years, ticker copies were sent to the headquarters in Madras (now Chennai), and the editorial desk was headed by R. Chandrasehkar.
Under his leadership, the remote pagination department and regional newsdesk were established in 1998, handling pages for Ongole, Vijayawada, Rajahmundry, Visakhapatnam, Rayalaseema, and Telangana.
The editing workflow transitioned from hand‑edited dot‑matrix printouts to computer screens, eventually adopting laptops for sub‑editors and desktops for editors and designers.
Design updates introduced new colour schemes, graphics, and supplements in education, real estate, and entertainment to cater to local tastes.
Following the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, the centralised desk gave way to a decentralised model with Vijayawada handling Andhra Pradesh pages and Telangana’s own desk.
Today, the newsroom follows a web‑first approach, uploading stories to the digital edition simultaneously with print, while maintaining stringent deadlines and editorial quality.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the shift to digital has expanded readership, reduced operational costs, and positioned The Hindu as a pioneer in regional journalism.
“The transition reflects a broader trend where traditional media adapt to meet the immediacy demands of digital audiences.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: When did The Hindu Hyderabad start its web‑first approach?
A1: The shift began in 2018, aligning with the growing online readership.
Q2: Who was the first News Editor after Telangana’s bifurcation?
A2: Thomas Sebastian took charge in 2014 following the state split.