Newsroom that learned to move at internet speed

The Hindu, a 147-year-old newspaper, has consistently adapted to the ever-evolving digital landscape to reach readers in various regions. In 1995, The Hindu became the first Indian newspaper in India to establish a web platform, aiming to connect with readers who lacked access to print copies. Over the past 31 years, numerous rapid and unprecedented innovations have reshaped the digital space, including the introduction and widespread commercialization of high-speed internet connections, the proliferation of smart phones, an exponential growth in the use of images (photos and videos), and the emergence of artificial intelligence.

The Hindu maintains a dedicated digital unit and incorporates infographics and images with crisp text in its online news reports to keep people informed about current events, connect the dots, and make sense of key issues affecting them. The reporters, sub-editors, and photojournalists strive to publish news not only with a 'web first' approach but also by compiling information in various forms with people at the center.

They aim to aid readers by providing online explainers on navigating government services, schemes, filing grievances, and other topics, along with images.

In addition to dynamically updating their website to keep readers updated on the day's developments, The Hindu uses social media platforms to inform readers about major news developments that impact people's lives or help them navigate everyday work. The digital desk constantly monitors internal tools and feedback posted on social media to understand the information readers seek.

The Hindu acknowledges that the medium of digital news constantly transforms, and they have made sure to evolve with these changes at every step. Over the years, they have observed shifts in readers' habits, from directly visiting their website to consuming news through aggregator platforms, and now through social media. With the advent of artificial intelligence, The Hindu sees another disruption reshaping how news is discovered and consumed.

To stay relevant, they must continuously adapt to where their readers are, ensuring they remain relevant and accessible in the ever-changing digital landscape.