In December 2023, INMA and Google News Initiative (GNI) awarded their fourth annual Elevate Scholarship to 50 news media professionals from 31 countries. This series features these impressive media professionals who are shaping our industry.

Neha Mahajan’s journey in journalism began in 2012 when she joined the staff of Outlook magazine in New Delhi, India. That position taught her the fundamentals of digital journalism, setting the stage for future contributions to the field. 

Two years later, she joined Hindustan Times, the leading English daily, where she delved into Google Analytics and discovered the power of data in journalism. That set her on course to be part of a pioneering effort: “I was part of the pilot team involved in print-digital integration at a time when most newsrooms were still working in silos,” she said. 

Returning to Outlook magazine for a second stint, Neha took charge of digital operations. She was responsible for conceptualising and executing editorial strategies, including social media and video content.

Today, as a senior assistant editor at The Indian Express, Neha manages the homepage and edits premium stories. “I have been tracking analytics — both GA and Chartbeat — for over 10 years now and am still fascinated by the data and insights these tools have to offer every day.”

Neha’s role at The Indian Express involves showcasing content that attracts and retains subscribers. Her dedication to understanding the online news subscription model is evident in her pursuit of insights from industry leaders.

“In India, most newsrooms are still in the nascent stage of the subscription journey, and there are still very few women leaders at the top,” she noted, adding that what she learns as an INMA Elevate Scholar will strengthen the foundation of her career. 

“[It] will be a catalyst in my journey towards understanding the subscription news business, lead me to implement the learnings in real-time, thereby helping me become a better leader.”

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