South India’s digital news industry has entered a transformative new chapter with the official launch of the South India Digital Publishers Association (SIDPA)—a first-of-its-kind non-profit coalition created to protect press freedom, uphold ethical journalism, and champion the interests of independent digital media.
In an unprecedented move, leading digital publishers from across South India have joined forces under one powerful collective, signaling a shift in the regional media ecosystem. With this collaboration, SIDPA aims to amplify the voice of independent journalism and ensure that digital platforms thrive in an environment of fairness, transparency, and editorial integrity.
A Collective With Real Influence
The member websites of SIDPA boast a massive combined readership that exceeds the digital traffic of many traditional newspaper portals. This reflects a growing public shift toward digital-first, independent journalism over legacy media and TV-channel-owned platforms—solidifying SIDPA’s position as a regional digital media powerhouse.
SIDPA not only represents millions of loyal readers across South India’s diverse linguistic and cultural regions but also sets a high bar for quality content and responsible reporting.
Who’s Behind SIDPA?
The founding members include some of the most respected names in South India’s digital media space:
Nagendra Arumilli (Gulte)
Venkat Arikatla (GreatAndhra)
Venkateswara Reddy Illuri (Tupaki)
Pradeep Y (Telugu360)
Kalyan Kolli (M9 News)
Vamsi Reddy N (123Telugu)
Srinivasa Rao Chilukuri (AP7AM)
Krishna Mandalapu (Indian Clicks)
With over 20 member publishers, SIDPA reflects the unity and shared vision of South India’s leading digital news platforms.
Leadership at the Helm
SIDPA’s internal committee is composed of seasoned professionals with deep credibility in the digital journalism space. The current office bearers are:
Chairman: Venkat Arikatla
Vice Chairman: Venkateswara Reddy Illuri
General Secretary: Pradeep Y
Treasurer: Krishna Mandalapu
A Vision for the Future
As regional media faces mounting challenges—from misinformation and monetization issues to political pressure—SIDPA steps forward as a guardian of journalistic freedom and digital innovation. The association is committed to creating a support system for publishers while ensuring the ethical standards of journalism remain uncompromised.
To learn more about SIDPA’s mission, visit sidpa.org
Stay connected via SIDPA’s official handle on X: @southidpa
