Gorakh Popat Sonawane (born 26 November 1982) is an Indian journalist, editor, and media entrepreneur. He is the founder and editor-in-chief of Maharashtra Today News, a digital news channel established in 2018 that focuses on news coverage across Pune district, Maharashtra.[1]

Starting as a solo initiative in 2018, Sonawane has built Maharashtra Today News into a recognized local news platform with a team of 10 members and a combined social media following of over 30,000 across YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.[2] The channel specializes in breaking news, crime reporting, political analysis, and district-level political coverage.

Early life and education [edit]

Gorakh Popat Sonawane was born on 26 November 1982 in Supe, a town in Baramati taluka of Pune district, Maharashtra. He is the son of Popat Bapurao Sonawane.[3] He completed his secondary education (SSC) from Shri Shahaji High School in Supe. From an early age he showed interest in writing and local affairs, which later inspired his move into digital journalism.

Career [edit]

Foundation of Maharashtra Today News (2018)

In 2018, Sonawane founded Maharashtra Today News, launching it as a digital-native news channel focused on district-level reporting in Pune.[4] The channel began as a one-person operation and gradually expanded editorially and technically to cover breaking incidents, crime, politics, and civic issues.

Growth and development

Over the years, Maharashtra Today News evolved into a small team of 10 reporters, anchors and production staff. The channel emphasised four editorial pillars:

• Breaking Maharashtra: Rapid reporting of breaking news across the district.
• Crime Reporting: Investigative and spot reporting on criminal incidents.
• Political Analysis: District-level political developments and analysis.
• Ground Politics: On-the-ground political reporting and public-interest stories.

Digital presence and reach

As of 2024 the channel reports around 15,000 YouTube subscribers, ~10,000 followers on Facebook, and about 5,000 followers on Instagram — a combined audience of roughly 30,000 people who regularly consume its content.[6] The platform uses short video, live coverage, and social engagement to reach rural and urban viewers across the Pune district.

Recognition and impact [edit]

Maharashtra Today News has gained recognition for timely district-level reporting, especially in civic issues and local political coverage. The channel's emphasis on speed and community-focused stories has helped it develop trust among local audiences. Its growth demonstrates the rising demand for regional digital journalism in India and has provided employment opportunities for local journalists and technicians.

Personal life [edit]

Gorakh Popat Sonawane is married and resides in his hometown of Supe, Baramati. He remains actively involved with community events and often uses his reporting platform to highlight civic concerns and local governance issues. In interviews he has emphasised practical, sustainable growth for his media venture rather than rapid expansion.

Future plans and vision [edit]

Sonawane states that his immediate priorities are consolidating the channel's editorial standards and expanding coverage while maintaining credibility. Future plans include training local reporters, improving video-production quality, and selective geographic expansion within neighboring talukas when feasible.

Legacy and influence [edit]

Sonawane's career — from a single-person startup to a recognized district-level media outlet — serves as a practical example for aspiring local journalists and independent media entrepreneurs. The Maharashtra Today News story highlights how focused, local digital reporting can create meaningful public value even with modest resources.

References [edit]