The Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) Conclave 2026 brought together policymakers, editors and digital media leaders to examine the rapidly evolving news ecosystem under the theme, “The New World Order of News: Rewriting the Playbook for a Resilient Digital Future.” The discussions focused on the transformation of journalism, governance challenges and innovation in the digital era.
One of the key sessions, “From Creation to Compensation: Content Economics,” was moderated by Prasad Sanyal, Group Business Head at TimesofIndia.com, Indiatimes.com and Whatshot. The panel explored the complexities of building trust, sustainable monetisation models and adopting a digital-first strategy in an increasingly competitive media environment.
Nandini Bhalla, Editor-in-Chief of The Word Magazine and former editor of Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, Brides Today and Grazia, underscored the continued relevance of traditional print values in the digital age. “The Word is digital with a heart of print,” she said, noting that principles such as trust, research and rigorous journalism remain fundamental even as audiences shift online. “Digital is where the action is, but content will always be king—whether on paper or on phones.”
Malini Agarwal, Founder of MissMalini and Co-founder of IF, highlighted authenticity as the defining factor in digital success. While content creation has become democratised, she argued that credibility determines long-term value. “Anyone can create content. But who do you trust? That’s where the real value lies. Print carries authenticity, digital brings speed—the ones who survive will be truthful.”
Echoing the sentiment, Dhruv Chitgopekar, Co-founder and Partner at Collective Artists Network, said trust is no longer optional. “Consistency, authenticity and depth are critical. Digital amplifies the need to be credible and invest in subject expertise,” he observed.
Through curated panels and expert-led sessions, the conclave addressed emerging trends, shared industry challenges and the future roadmap for India’s digital media landscape. As the sector navigates unprecedented disruption, the discussions reinforced that the future of journalism will be shaped not merely by speed, but by credibility, innovation and strategic value.
The DNPA, a leading industry body representing prominent digital news organisations in India, reiterated its commitment to promoting credible journalism, upholding ethical standards and enabling sustainable growth in the digital news ecosystem.
