Udayam (transl. Dawn) was a Telugu-language daily newspaper in India, founded in 1984 by film director Dasari Narayana Rao. Known for its editorial advocacy of marginalized communities, anti-corruption, and democratic ideals, Udayam quickly garnered a strong readership, achieving a circulation of 2,24,000 copies within its first month. This rapid growth established it as the second-most circulated newspaper in Andhra Pradesh at the time, noted especially for its investigative journalism.

Published by Taraka Prabhu Publishers, Dasari Narayana Rao served as chairman, with Ramakrishna Prasad as managing director. The newspaper's first chief editor was A. B. K. Prasad, who served until 1985, followed by notable figures such as K. N. Y. Patanjali and Potturi Venkateswara Rao. Despite its early success, Udayam faced financial challenges that led to its transfer of ownership to businessman and politician Magunta Subbarama Reddy in the early 1990s. Plans for expansion were hindered by economic constraints, and by 1995, declining circulation and mounting debts forced the newspaper to cease operations. Attempts to revive the newspaper in subsequent years, including initiatives led by Dasari Narayana Rao himself, were unsuccessful.

Udayam is remembered for its editorial independence, inclusive work culture, and contribution to Telugu journalism. The newspaper was known for its investigative reporting, advocacy for social justice, and efforts to highlight the rights of marginalized communities and expose corruption.

In addition to his career in cinema, Dasari Narayana Rao was known for his engagement with political and social causes, which inspired him to establish Udayam as a platform to express his ideals. Prior to its launch, Dasari Narayana Rao announced the start date of Udayam through advertisements in newspapers like Andhra Jyoti two weeks before December 29, 1984. In the ad, he mentioned that the launch would occur after the 1984 Lok Sabha elections to avoid interfering with the electoral process.

Udayam was launched in Hyderabad and Vijayawada on 29 December 1984 under the editorship of A. B. K. Prasad, a respected journalist, and quickly gained significant traction. Within a month, the newspaper's circulation reached 2,24,000 copies, making it the second-most circulated newspaper in Andhra Pradesh at the time pushing Andhra Prabha to third position. Due to the high demand, publisher Dasari Narayana Rao reportedly ordered additional printing machines to meet the needs of vendors requesting 50,000 more copies, even halting an ongoing sales campaign to manage the situation. By 1987, Andhra Jyothi pushed Udayam to the third position.

Udayam was distinct in its editorial stance, advocating for marginalized and underrepresented communities while focusing on anti-corruption and pro-democratic narratives. The newspaper became a leading voice for leftist and progressive ideas, often highlighting social justice issues and championing the rights of disadvantaged groups. Its commitment to these causes helped it earn a loyal readership among diverse social segments in Andhra Pradesh.

Financial difficulties eventually led Dasari Narayana Rao to transfer ownership of Udayam to Magunta Subbarami Reddy, a liquor baron and member of parliament (MP). In 1994, Subbarami Reddy announced ambitious plans to expand Udayam to 10 editions across Andhra Pradesh and to revive the historic Telugu daily Andhra Patrika, which had ceased publication in 1991. He also acquired properties for the new editions.

However, these expansion plans were soon complicated by the imposition of alcohol prohibition in Andhra Pradesh, which severely impacted Subbarami Reddy's primary revenue source from his liquor businesses. By 1995, Udayam’s circulation had declined significantly, falling to around 50,000 copies from its initial success. The newspaper struggled with substantial monthly losses of ₹32 lakh, accumulating a total debt of ₹15 crore, while declining advertising revenue further strained its finances.