Sapan News Network

Sapan News is an independent nonprofit media organization that produces journalism focused on Southasia, the Indian Ocean region, and global diaspora communities. Founded out of the Southasia Peace Action Network (Sapan), a peace movement launched in March 2021, Sapan News began publishing syndicated content in August 2021 and launched its dedicated website in March 2023. Its reporting emphasizes non-partisan, accurate, and nuanced coverage, highlighting issues related to peace, dialogue, and regional collaboration. The founding editor, Beena Sarwar, was selected as a 2023 Media Transformation Challenge Fellow at the Poynter Institute, which has facilitated professionalization and expanded the network’s affiliations. Sapan News is a member of the Independent News Network (INN), Local Independent Online News (LION), and the ACOS Alliance, and adheres to ACOS Freelance Journalist Safety Principles. Its syndicated content has appeared in a variety of regional and diaspora publications across Southasia, the U.S., and other countries, including Dhaka Tribune, Prothom Alo, The Quint, South Asian Union, and Cambridge Day. Sapan News operates as a nonprofit with funding through grants, donations, and organizational support, and maintains formal policies for editorial independence and donor transparency.