REPORT OF INTERNSHIP
Name : Sujal Parshuram Nimbalkar
Advanced Course in Digital Media
(2024 - 2025)
Name of the Organisation : Dainik Prabhat
Digital
Internship Period : 20 Days
Department of Communication and
Journalism, Savatribai Phule Pune
University, Pune
Introduction
Organization Overview :
Dainik Prabhat is a prominent Marathi daily newspaper headquartered in
Pune, Maharashtra. Established in 1930, it has become one of the most
respected and widely read regional newspapers in Maharashtra. In
response to the growing demand for digital content and the widespread
use of the internet, Dainik Prabhat has expanded its reach through its
digital platform - Dainik Prabhat Digital. The website provides real-time
news updates, feature articles, editorials, and multimedia content in
Marathi, catering to a wide audience across the globe. They also have
their strong social media presence on the platforms such as Instagram,
Facebook, Twitter(X) and YouTube. Its digital presence complements
the print edition by offering interactive and instant access to news on
politics, sports, business, entertainment, and local happenings.
Reason for Choosing the Organization :
I chose Dainik Prabhat Digital for my internship due to its rich legacy in
journalism and its innovative transition into digital media. As a student
interested in digital journalism, content creation and media research, I
saw this as a great opportunity to learn from a regional platform that
combines traditional reporting ethics with modern technology. The
organization’s focus on regional content in the Marathi language also
attracted me, as it gave me a chance to contribute to content that
directly impacts the local community. Additionally, I was keen to
understand how regional newspapers are adapting to the digital
revolution, and Dainik Prabhat provided a perfect case study in this
regard.
Work Environment – Organizational Structure
and Work Profile :
The digital department of Dainik Prabhat operates with a collaborative
and efficient organizational structure. It consists of editorial heads, digital
content strategists, video editors, social media managers, and digital
content writers. As an intern, I worked directly under the guidance of the
content editor and was a part of the digital content team. The
environment was welcoming and supportive, promoting creativity and
timely execution. My work profile included content writing, proofreading,
headline creation, and research. The office used various digital tools
such as CMS (Content Management System), Google Trends, and basic
SEO tools to optimize content reach. Editors and senior writers were
approachable and offered constructive feedback, making the learning
process smooth and productive. Daily meetings and planning sessions
which used to happen weekly on every Wednesday gave me insight into
how digital content is curated, scheduled, and published.
Work Done
During my 20-days internship at Dainik Prabhat Digital, my primary
responsibilities revolved around research and content writing for the
digital platform. I contributed significantly to multiple segments of the
news website, such as sports, entertainment, international affairs,
economics, and lifestyle. My role was dynamic and involved both
independent tasks and team collaboration with senior writers and
editors.
a) Research Work :
The core of my internship focused on detailed and accurate research.
For each news article or feature, I collected background information,
verified facts from credible sources, and compiled relevant data. This
was especially critical for sections like international news and
economics, where precision and updated statistics are vital. I used
official websites, press releases, government portals, and news archives
to gather necessary inputs. My research helped the editorial team write
in-depth articles and prepare context-rich content for readers.
b) Content Writing and Article Drafting :
Based on my research, I assisted in the drafting and writing of various
news articles, including short news stories, event coverage, and feature
pieces. I actively wrote supporting content and contributed to the
structuring of articles. Some content was published under the team’s
byline, while a few short write-ups were published independently with my
contributions. This gave me practical experience in writing for a
professional Marathi digital platform.
I submitted an article draft titled “भारतातील प्रसिद्ध खे ळ : सिकेट” which
can be used for future publication, the screenshot of the mail sent to the
editor is attached below.
c) Segmented Contributions :
I worked on a variety of segments:
- Sports : Provided match summaries, player profiles, and updates on
local and international tournaments.
- Entertainment : Gathered updates on Marathi and Bollywood cinema,
OTT releases, and celebrity news.
- International News : Researched global political developments,
economic trends, and breaking international headlines.
- Economics : Helped gather budget-related data, market trends, and
analysis of government schemes.
This variety kept the work engaging and helped me develop a broader
understanding of digital journalism.
d) Technical Exposure :
Though my primary role was content-focused, I got some exposure to
the digital tools used in the newsroom, such as their Content
Management System (CMS), and basic SEO practices like keyword
usage and tagging articles appropriately.
Overall, my time at Dainik Prabhat Digital allowed me to contribute
meaningfully to the content development process while gaining valuable
exposure to the inner workings of a digital media newsroom.
Summary of Insights Gained
What Did I Learn During the Internship?
This internship was a deep dive into the practical world of digital
journalism. I learned how to write professional news articles in Marathi
with speed and accuracy. I also developed an understanding of digital
news workflows from idea generation to publishing. Exposure to SEO
strategies, CMS tools, and data collection methods helped build my
technical skills.
Working on deadline-based tasks taught me time management and
prioritization. The experience of writing for a real-time platform improved
my confidence and language skills. I also learned how to simplify
complex issues and present them in an engaging way to regional
audiences.
Did the Internship Meet My Expectations?
Absolutely. The internship exceeded my expectations in terms of
learning opportunities, mentorship, and hands-on experience. I expected
to write a few sample articles, but I was given responsibility for actual
published content, which was both challenging and motivating. The
feedback from editors helped me grow as a writer.
What Was the Highlight?
The highlight of my internship was seeing the article published in which I
helped for researching on the Dainik Prabhat digital portal. It gave me a
sense of achievement and boosted my confidence. Another highlight
was participating various meetings for news update where content was
being scheduled for the next 24 hours, it felt like I was a part of
something significant.
What More Could I Have Done?
Given more time, I would have liked to contribute to social media
handling, video scripting and multimedia content creation, which are
crucial aspects of digital journalism. I also wanted to explore podcasting,
which Dainik Prabhat has recently introduced. A longer internship would
have allowed me to delve into these areas.
How Valuable Is the Internship?
This internship was extremely valuable to my academic and professional
growth. It gave me a realistic picture of how digital media operates in a
regional context. The experience improved my editorial skills, boosted
my confidence, and gave me clarity about pursuing a career in digital
journalism. Especially, it improved my Marathi writing skills which I see
as a key strength moving forward. Most importantly, it reinforced my
belief in the power of regional language media to drive local engagement
and change.