A Century of Odia Journalism: The Rise, Role, and Reach of Print Media

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From colonial resistance to digital transformation, the history of print journalism in Odisha reflects its cultural pride, political activism, and enduring relevance in shaping public opinion

By PRADEEP KUMAR PANDA

BHUBANESWAR, August 4, 2025 — While the term “media” only entered common usage in the 1920s, and the phrase “communication revolution” emerged in the 1950s, the concern with communication is as old as civilization itself. The art of oral and written expression was studied meticulously in ancient Greece and Rome, continued through the Middle Ages, and gained renewed momentum during the Renaissance.

The notion of public opinion crystallized in the late 18th century, and by the 19th century, newspapers were becoming central to shaping national consciousness by connecting dispersed readers. Technological innovations allowed the press to expand and evolve, making it a formidable global industry by the end of the 20th century. The idea of the press as the Fourth Estate—an independent pillar of democracy—remains a guiding principle for journalists, politicians, and citizens alike.

Though the objectives of journalism—disseminating news, offering information, and entertaining audiences—remain unchanged, its scale and methods have transformed dramatically. From global newsrooms to rural rooftops with dangling television cables, the reach of media today is truly unprecedented.

Odisha’s Early Journalism: A Legacy Rooted in Service

With a legacy of over a century, Odisha holds a significant place in India’s journalistic history. The state’s tryst with the press began against the backdrop of a growing nationalistic and socio-political consciousness. Inspired not by profit but by public service, early Odia journalists played a critical role in awakening the masses.

The first Odia magazine, Bodha Dayini, was published in 1861 from Balasore, predating the devastating famine of 1866. It aimed to promote Odia literature and highlight administrative shortcomings.

In 1866, the powerful Utkal Deepika, founded by Gourisankar Ray with support from Bichitrananda Das, emerged as a rallying force for uniting Odia-speaking regions and defending Odia identity.

Subsequent publications such as Utkal Subhakari (1869), Sambad Vahika (1868), and Utkal Hiteisini (1869) echoed similar sentiments. Periodicals from Balasore, Deogarh, and Cuttack—including Utkal Patra, Utkal Darpan, and Sambalpur Hiteisini—furthered the movement for linguistic and administrative unification.

In Baripada, Mayurbhanj Pakshika Patrika (1879) and Utkal Prabha (1891) received royal patronage from Maharajas Krushna Chandra Bhanja Deo and Ramachandra Bhanja Deo, reflecting the deep cultural roots of journalism in Odisha.

Odia Journalism and the Freedom Struggle

The early 20th century saw a convergence between journalism and the freedom movement. The Swadeshi movement received strong support from Nava Sambad (Balasore) and Utkal Deepika (Cuttack), which encouraged the use of indigenous goods.

Pandit Nilamani Vidyaratna emerged as a leading figure in this era, founding Praja Bandhu in Ganjam and promoting Odia literature through Sambalpur Hiteisini. With support from royal patrons like the Raja of Bamra, he helped foster literary talent, including poets Gangadhar Meher and Radhanath Ray.

English publications also gained traction. Star of Utkal (1905), Ganjam News, Oriya Hitavadini, and Utkal Vasi championed Odisha’s cultural and political causes. The rise of periodicals in Ganjam—then a vibrant hub of Odia culture—highlighted the growing sophistication of the region’s media landscape.

The Berhampur Phase and Birth of ‘The Samaj’

In 1913, Sashibhusan Rath launched Asha, a weekly that soon became a beacon of reform. Luminaries like Gopabandhu Das, Nilakantha Das, and Godavarish Mishra contributed actively. Das published Satyavadi from the Asha Press in Berhampur, a precursor to his iconic daily, The Samaj (founded in 1919).

In the following years, publications such as Samaj Mitra, Satya Samachar, The Oriya, and Swaraj enriched Odia journalism. By 1928, Rath’s Dainik Asha became the first major Odia daily, followed by his English weekly The East Coast and, in 1933, Odisha’s first English daily, The New Orissa.

The invention of the Odia typewriter by Ranganath Mahapatra of Surada in the 1940s marked a turning point. Manufactured in Germany, it symbolized the technical evolution of Odia journalism.

The Freedom Era and Post-Independence Boom

The press played a dual role during World War II—supporting British war efforts while nurturing nationalist sentiments. Dainik Asha and New Orissa received government support but ceased operations by 1951. Dainik Asha was later revived in the 1970s under a trust led by Brindavan Nayak.

Meanwhile, The Samaj continued its fearless coverage under Gopabandhu Das, standing firm against colonial pressures. Other influential pre-independence publications included The Orissa First, Observer, Janata, Niankhunta, and Krusak—each shaping public opinion and political discourse.

Post-1947, the media landscape expanded rapidly. Prajatantra, revived in 1947 by Odisha’s first Premier Dr. H.K. Mahatab, became a cradle for aspiring journalists. Its English sister paper, The Eastern Times, debuted in 1948. The Amrit Bazar Patrika even launched a short-lived edition from Biju Patnaik’s residence in Cuttack.

Publications like Matrubhumi (1951), Ganatantra (1956), Kalinga (1960), Janasakti (1966), and Swarajya (post-1967) reflected the intertwining of journalism and politics, often backed by princely states or political parties.

In 1974, Chief Minister Nandini Satpathy founded Dharitri, which continues today under the editorship of her son, Tathagata Satpathy.

Modernisation and Media Proliferation

By the 2000s, Odia journalism saw a technological transformation. Eastern Media Ltd.’s The Sambad pioneered weekly magazine supplements, spurring a trend followed by other major dailies.

According to 2014–15 records, Odia publications reached a circulation of over 1.34 crore copies per day. Of 350 publications, 19 dailies/biweeklies exceeded 1 lakh daily copies. Yet, this growth was often politically motivated—many prominent Odia newspapers were launched or promoted by politicians seeking influence over public discourse.

Post-Liberalisation Era: New Frontiers

Liberalisation ushered in an era of private investment and corporate media. National dailies such as The Times of India, The New Indian Express, The Telegraph, and The Hindustan Times entered the Odisha market. This led to competitive modernisation of the Odia print media, with colour printing, multiple daily editions, and wider distribution.

Simultaneously, the proliferation of electronic news channels transformed Odisha’s media culture. While this expansion democratised access, challenges persisted—poverty, illiteracy, rural demography, and low political awareness hindered deep media penetration.

The history of print media in Odisha is a chronicle of resilience, cultural pride, and political assertion. From missionary zeal and nationalist fervour to modern professionalism and technological adaptation, Odia journalism has come a long way. As the state moves deeper into the digital era, the challenge remains: how to retain the original spirit of public service amid an increasingly commercialised media landscape.

(This is an opinion piece, and views expressed are those of the author only)