DNPA Conclave 2026 Unites Digital Media Leaders in New Delhi
The Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) Conclave 2026 was held in New Delhi on Thursday, gathering India's foremost digital media executives and thought leaders. The event centered on the dynamic evolution of news, governance, and digital innovation, under the compelling theme: "The New World Order of News: Rewriting the Playbook for a Resilient Digital Future."
Content Economics Panel Explores Monetization and Trust
During the conclave, a pivotal panel titled "From Creation to Compensation: Content Economics" was moderated by Prasad Sanyal, Group Business Head at TimesofIndia.com, Indiatimes.com, and Whatshot. This discussion delved deeply into the intricacies of content economics, exploring critical topics such as building audience trust, effective monetization strategies, and the imperative of adopting a digital-first approach in today's rapidly changing media ecosystem.
Print Principles in a Digital World
Nandini Bhalla, Editor-in-Chief of The Word Magazine and former editor of Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, Brides Today, and Grazia, spoke passionately about the enduring value of print journalism principles in the digital age. "The Word is digital with a heart of print," she stated. "All those values that print stands for—trust, research, journalism—we bring them into the digital world where our audience sits. Digital is where all of the action is, but content will always be king, whether it’s on paper or on your phones."
Authenticity and Reliability as Key Differentiators
Malini Agarwal, Founder of MissMalini and Co-founder of IF, emphasized the crucial role of authenticity and reliability in digital content creation. "Anyone can create content. But who do you trust? Whose content do you trust is where the real value lies," she remarked. "Print still has that strength of authenticity, and digital has the pace. The ones that survive will be truthful."
Trust as a Non-Negotiable Element
Dhruv Chitgopekar, Co-founder & Partner at Collective Artists Network, added his perspective on the fundamental importance of trust. "Trust is no longer a nice-to-have," he asserted. "Consistency, authenticity, and depth in your content are critical. Digital magnifies the need to be yourself, to be credible, and to invest in your subject expertise."
A Platform for Policy and Innovation Dialogue
The DNPA Conclave 2026 served as a significant platform where policymakers, media leaders, and industry experts converged to discuss the evolving landscape of news, governance, and digital innovation. Through meticulously curated panel discussions and expert-led sessions, the conclave highlighted emerging trends, shared challenges, and the future roadmap for India's digital media sector.
Defining the Future of Digital Content
As the Indian digital news ecosystem navigates unprecedented disruption, the conclave underscored that the future of content is defined not merely by speed, but by:
- Credibility: Establishing and maintaining trust with audiences.
- Innovation: Embracing new technologies and storytelling methods.
- Strategic Value: Creating content that resonates and sustains economically.
About the Digital News Publishers Association
The DNPA is a premier Indian industry body representing leading digital media organizations across the nation. It is steadfastly committed to strengthening credible journalism, upholding the highest ethical standards, and enabling sustainable growth within the digital news ecosystem.
