DNPA Conclave 2026 to Forge Path for India's Digital News in AI Era
The Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) Conclave 2026 is scheduled for February 26 in New Delhi, marking a pivotal gathering of policymakers, media leaders, and industry experts. This high-profile event aims to foster a comprehensive dialogue on the rapidly transforming landscape of news, governance, and digital innovation. As a cornerstone industry platform, the conclave will feature meticulously curated panel discussions and expert-led sessions designed to scrutinize emerging trends, tackle shared challenges, and develop a forward-looking roadmap for India's dynamic digital media ecosystem.
Leadership Insights on AI and Responsibility
Mariam Mammen Mathew, Chairperson of the Digital News Publishers Association, emphasized the critical timing of this convergence. "At a time when AI is reshaping the very foundations of news, it is imperative for publishers, policymakers, and platforms to collaborate in building a framework anchored in trust and responsibility," she stated. Puneet Gupt, Vice-Chairperson, added a strategic perspective, noting, "The future of digital journalism hinges on our ability to align innovation with sustainability, fair value exchange, and the broader public interest."
Sujata Gupta, Secretary General & CEO of DNPA, highlighted the conclave's significance as a defining moment for India's digital news industry. "As AI revolutionizes content creation and consumption, it is vital that publishers actively participate in shaping policies that safeguard journalistic integrity, ensure fair compensation, and sustain credible news," she remarked. Through a series of targeted discussions and interactive sessions, the event will delve into the evolving regulatory environment governing digital communications. It will explore how policy frameworks can effectively balance innovation with consumer protection and industry growth in this increasingly AI-driven era.
Key Focus Areas and Transformative Discussions
The conclave will address several critical themes shaping the future of media:
- Technology-Driven Transformation: Sessions will focus on how artificial intelligence is redefining newsroom workflows, content creation, distribution strategies, and audience engagement across multiple platforms.
- Trust and Credibility: Discussions will assess where audiences are increasingly turning for reliable information, how trust is being built and sustained, and what constitutes the new public square in a fragmented, platform-led media landscape.
- Regulatory Impact: The impact of regulatory changes on various stakeholders will be thoroughly examined, evaluating who stands to gain, who bears the costs, and how the ecosystem can remain competitive and inclusive.
- Monetization and Economics: Critical conversations will spotlight content monetization, revenue models, regulatory frameworks, and the evolving balance of risk and reward in the digital news ecosystem. Additionally, discussions will probe how AI is reshaping the economics of content, from cost efficiencies and monetization opportunities to complex questions of intellectual property and long-term business viability.
Building a Balanced Roadmap for the Future
By convening policymakers and industry experts, DNPA Conclave 2026 aspires to shape a balanced, innovation-led, and trust-driven roadmap for the future of digital journalism in an increasingly AI-powered world. This collaborative effort seeks to ensure that technological advancements enhance rather than undermine the core values of journalism, fostering an environment where innovation thrives alongside ethical standards and public trust.
The conclave represents a strategic initiative to navigate the complexities of digital transformation, aiming to establish guidelines that support sustainable growth while protecting journalistic integrity and audience interests.
