The Hindu Group has been named the ‘Champion Publisher of the Year 2026’ by the World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA), earning the title for the third time. The Group topped the table with seven awards at the WAN-IFRA Digital Media Awards South Asia 2026.

The title is awarded to the publisher securing the highest number of wins at the annual awards, which recognise outstanding digital projects demonstrating innovation, audience engagement, journalistic excellence, and the effective use of technology.

The Hindu won a gold each for ‘Bihar SIR’ in the ‘Best AI-driven News Product, Format or Strategy’ category and ‘Young World Club’ in ‘Best News Website or App Relaunch’. It also secured a silver for ‘Written by Journalists’ in ‘Best in Countering Disinformation’. Additionally, the publication took home three bronze awards: ‘Made of Chennai’ for ‘Best Marketing Campaign for a News Brand’, ‘The Hindu Explains’ for ‘Best Newsletter’, and ‘We Went Middle East, Talked INR, and Found Gold!’ for ‘Best Reader Revenue’.

Frontline won a bronze for ‘Mission Manipur’ in the ‘Best Use of Audio’ category, taking The Hindu Group’s overall tally to seven awards.

Competing with media houses across South Asia, The Hindu was among the winners alongside HT Media Labs, Reuters, The Quint, Jagran News Media, Malayala Manorama, Financial Times, and others.

The Hindu Group CEO L.V. Navaneeth received the ‘Champion Publisher of the Year 2026’ award from WAN-IFRA leaders — Chief Operating Officer Thomas Jacob, Chief Executive Officer Stig Orskov, and Managing Director (South Asia) Magdoom Mohamed at the Digital Media India 2026 Conference in Delhi on Thursday.

“Our goal has always been to strive for the highest standards of journalistic excellence and ethics. It is heartening to receive recognition for that work. Winning this honour for the third time shows that every member of The Hindu Group is doing something right,” Mr. Navaneeth said.

WAN-IFRA is the world’s largest international news media organisation, representing 3,000 news publishing companies and technology entrepreneurs, along with 40 publisher associations representing 18,000 publications across 120 countries.

The Digital Media Awards South Asia 2026 comprised 12 categories, with entries judged by digital media experts, editors, and industry leaders.