How Dayan Candappa Is Turning This Storied Print Magazine Into a Digital Powerhouse
Newsweek is adapting and thriving due to its digital-first strategy and focus on data-driven journalism. In the sprawling landscape of global media, where digital transformation, technological disruption, and ideological divides often collide, Newsweek has proven that it’s more than just an institution — it’s a dynamic force continually reinventing itself. Driving this transformation is Dayan Candappa, Newsweek’s Chief Content Officer.
A Legacy Reimagined
Founded in 1933, New York-based Newsweek has seen its fair share of changes, from its pioneering role in print journalism to navigating the shifting sands of digital disruption. Yet, the brand’s commitment to fair, transparent, and factual reporting remains its most defining feature. The company’s mission: ‘Newsweek speaks to — and listens to — readers across the political and cultural spectrum. We are committed to journalism that’s factual and fair. We believe good-faith debate is in the public interest, and we welcome diverse views and voices to the search for common ground.’ This dedication to providing balanced content amidst an increasingly polarized media landscape is no small feat. Newsweek’s success stems from a delicate balance of embracing the future while honoring its foundational values.
Candappa joined Newsweek in 2016. Under the leadership of Dev Pragad, the platform’s Owner, President and CEO, who took the reins in 2018, he collaborated with Newsweek editors to create the podcast “The Debate” and opinion sections, as well as “Newsweek Next,” which focuses on the magazine’s rich history of curation and analytical reporting on disruptive technology. “Newsweek has always had a storied past,” he says. “Our readers have trusted us with their time for more than 90 years. That trust is sacred.” The most significant milestone in Candappa’s career, perhaps, was when he decided to take on the task of rejuvenating this iconic publication. “It was like taking a beloved brand and putting it back into startup mode,” Candappa explains. “The strategy was to build on what worked but embrace the future and make Newsweek fit for the digital era.” The magazine’s print editions, while still important, were complemented by a new approach that placed digital first. This pivot included everything from refining the editorial process to leveraging data for storytelling, optimizing partnerships, and rethinking the way journalism is produced and consumed. And, importantly, pursuing good-faith debate in the public interest. “This was first enunciated by our leader, Dev Pragad, in our mission statement, which reads ‘Newsweek speaks to — and listens to — readers across the political and cultural spectrum,’” says Candappa.
A Strategic Shift: Purpose, Opportunity, and Change
Candappa’s approach is not just about digital innovation; it’s about recalibrating the very ethos of Newsweek to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving media landscape. To do so, he developed a three-part strategy: purpose, opportunity, and change. “Purpose was the first element we focused on,” Candappa explains. “Without a clear sense of mission, you’re not going to inspire your team or engage your audience.” At Newsweek, this purpose centers around presenting a diversity of viewpoints in a world that often feels divided, something that Candappa sees as increasingly rare in today’s media environment. “Opportunity is everywhere,” he adds. “But picking the right ones and optimizing them is where the magic happens. We sought out partnerships with top-tier companies, many of whom were eager to work with us because of our brand’s legacy and reach.” And then there’s change — inevitable, relentless change. “We embraced it,” Candappa says. “We had to. The media landscape was transforming right in front of us. The digital-first mentality became a cornerstone of our strategy.” However, Candappa recalls the challenge of convincing Newsweek’s veteran journalists to embrace a data-driven editorial approach, where insights about audience engagement and platform performance increasingly influenced editorial decisions. “It’s a tough conversation to have,” he admits. “But it was essential for the survival of the brand.” This strategy has paid off in spades. The results have been nothing short of remarkable: Newsweek has grown its audience by more than 1,200 percent, solidifying its place in a competitive and fragmented media landscape. The legacy brand has undergone a remarkable revival, reaching over 100 million unique readers monthly and carving out a new niche for itself as a platform that celebrates diversity, facilitates dialogue, and ensures the integrity of journalism. “One thing I believe in very strongly is being unafraid of calculated risks. If you fail, learn and move forward quickly. By the same token, a meaningful, collective vision and an unbending determination to achieve will lead teams through even the most challenging periods,” Candappa adds. “Most of my best ideas come from conversations with other people. The people I work with are a great source of inspiration. Despite Newsweek’s recent success, I am still continuously learning, developing, and looking for new ways for the publication to contribute to society in a meaningful way.” Newsweek’s transformation has been detailed in two Harvard Business School case studies.
A Company Rooted in Diversity
One of the most compelling aspects of Newsweek’s resurgence is its commitment to inclusivity — both in its editorial content and within its workforce. Newsweek has actively sought to broaden its perspectives, incorporating diverse voices and backgrounds into its newsroom and editorial strategies. “Newsweek has always been about hearing different voices and perspectives, and today, that is more crucial than ever,” Candappa says. “Our goal is not just to reflect the world we live in, but to amplify voices that have been underrepresented or marginalized in the broader media conversation.” This includes prioritizing diversity not just in race and gender, but also in sexual orientation, disability, and other factors that are key to inclusive news reporting.
Newsweek’s commitment to diversity isn’t just about representation — it’s about impact. “By gathering a wide range of viewpoints, we can deliver journalism that’s fair and reflective of the world we cover,” Candappa explains. “It’s not just about being politically correct; it’s about telling a richer, more complete story.” Although Candappa admits that in a highly polarized world, striking the right balance between inclusivity and accuracy requires nuance. “We have to challenge assumptions, ask questions, and approach stories with sensitivity,” he says. “That means engaging with experts who can offer deeper insights into culturally specific topics. It’s about making sure our content resonates with people from all walks of life.”
This inclusive approach also extends to Newsweek’s community engagement efforts. Through initiatives like Newsweek Mightier, which encourages civil debate among young leaders, the company works to foster understanding among the next generation of thought leaders and citizens. This, Candappa argues, is where journalism’s real power lies — not just in informing but in inspiring constructive dialogue.
“The strategy was to build on what worked but embrace the future and make Newsweek fit for the digital era.”
Innovation as a Driving Force
Candappa states that the media landscape is evolving at breakneck speed, with new technologies like artificial intelligence beginning to shape the way stories are told, curated, and consumed. For Candappa, staying ahead of these trends is a constant balancing act. “We’re embracing AI in the newsroom, but we’re doing so with editorial controls to ensure the integrity of our work,” he explains. Yet even as technology continues to evolve, Candappa remains firm in his belief that human-driven journalism is irreplaceable. “Machines can’t access people. They can’t uncover stories through conversations with sources,” he says. “At the end of the day, it’s journalists who tell the story — AI is just a tool.” Newsweek’s strategy includes using AI not only for internal processes but also as part of its content monetization strategy. “AI opens up new opportunities for us to work with marketers and brands in ways we hadn’t considered before,” Candappa explains. “But the focus will always remain on delivering quality journalism that people trust.”
One of the most exciting initiatives for Candappa is the potential for greater entrepreneurialism within Newsweek. “We’re at a point where we’re looking at risks as opportunities for growth,” he says. “We’re constantly evaluating and testing new ideas, and that’s what keeps the company agile and responsive to change.” Newsweek has focused on monetizing its content through strategic partnerships, sponsored content, and data-driven product rankings. These initiatives are designed to position the company as a go-to destination for advertisers and marketers while maintaining editorial integrity.
A Constantly Evolving Vision
Going forward, Candappa sees immense opportunity. “We are a company with a 90-year legacy, but we’re also a startup at heart,” he says. The rapid growth Newsweek has experienced in the past few years is just the beginning, as the brand continues to explore new ways of reaching audiences and expanding its impact.
For Candappa, the future of journalism is clear: it’s not about sticking to a rigid formula but about adapting, innovating, and maintaining an unwavering commitment to truth and fairness. As Newsweek continues to redefine what it means to be a modern media company, it does so with one guiding principle in mind: the importance of listening to diverse voices, finding common ground, and pushing the boundaries of what journalism can achieve in today’s world.
In an age of constant disruption, one thing is certain — under Dayan Candappa’s leadership, Newsweek will continue to thrive, evolve, and remain a trusted source of journalism in a rapidly changing world.
