The Digital News Publishers Association of India (DNPA) is all geared up for the second edition of the DNPA Conclave & Awards on Tuesday. The event aims to initiate progressive dialogues and unveil forward-looking strategies for growth.


The DNPA Conclave & Awards will be held at the Shangri-La in New Delhi under the theme 'Navigating Digital Transformation in the Media Industry'. This conclave will bring together influential Indian policymakers, global experts, and senior leaders from the digital media and entertainment sectors. Through in-depth discussions, the conclave seeks to highlight critical issues and models that underpin an equitable, inclusive, and sustainable digital ecosystem crucial for our nation's progress.






The conclave will gather bright minds and stakeholders to deliberate on the impact of emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, on the news industry. It aims to explore strategies facilitating the successful adaptation of businesses to navigate through the challenges posed by digital transformation.


The DNPA comprises the digital arms of India's top 18 news publishers from both print and electronic media — ABP Network, Dainik Jagran, The Indian Express, Dainik Bhaskar, Eenadu Television, Malayalam Manorama, Amar Ujala, Hindustan Times, India Today, Zee Media, Lokmat, NDTV, Express Network, Times of India, Mathrubhumi, India TV, The Hindu, and Network 18. Known for promoting news credibility and fostering the growth of the news industry, the second edition of the conclave is being organised by DNPA in collaboration with Storyboard18.


D J Narain, President of DNPA, said that the conclave serves as a unique platform for all 18 members to discuss and brainstorm various issues concerning the growth of credible news and digital media in the country. “The DNPA conclave is evolving into a robust platform of ideas and to exchange thoughts on the growth of the digital media ecosystem,” he said in a statement.


Secretary General of DNPA Sujata Gupta underscored the transformative nature of the media landscape, with the DNPA Conclave & Awards 2024 acting as a catalyst for industry advancement. The focus on digital transformation will bring together diverse perspectives, fostering collaboration and innovation, she said.






The agenda of the conclave includes sessions exploring crucial facets of the digital landscape, such as the role of online intermediaries in shaping public trust, the impact of misinformation in diverse societies like India, and the need for equitable monetization models for a sustainable digital media ecosystem. Given the rapid technological disruptions, the conclave will also address the readiness of the Indian media industry to navigate through digital transformation comprehensively.


Distinguished speakers at the conclave include Shri Anurag Thakur, Minister of Sports, Youth Affairs and Information and Broadcasting, Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, Shri Amitabh Kant, former CEO of Niti Aayog, Shri Apurva Chandra, Secretary Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, and Shri S Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.


The conclave will feature top corporate leaders and visionaries like Sandeep Bikhchandani of InfoEdge and Naukri.Com, Manoj Gujaran - Chief Compliance Officer & Head - Legal, Poonawalla Fincorp, as well as leaders from Google, Microsoft, Tata Group, and CEOs and Editors from leading media houses in India. International voices include Clement Birdsall of Publica by IAS, Elena Perotti of WAN-IFRA, Paul Deegan of News Media Canada, Matthew Stoller, Director of Research at American Economic Liberties Project, and Dr Courtney C Radsch, Director, Centre for Journalism and Liberty, UCLA Institute for Technology, along with Axel Springer’s Florian Nehm.


The conclave will begin with a thought-provoking fireside chat between prominent Indian media figures and veteran media personality Shekhar Gupta on the overarching direction of the media and news industry. It will also feature a Fireside Chat with EY, providing insights into the scope of the digital news media industry report.


The DNPA Awards, a significant component of the event, will honour cutting-edge digital initiatives contributing profoundly to the country's progress. These awards recognize innovations in sectors such as health, education, finance, and media, along with areas like women empowerment, environmental protection, governance, and administrative reforms. The awards aim to acknowledge those instrumental in India’s digital journey and inspire continued innovation and excellence, setting global standards.


The Grand Jury, led by Suresh Prabhu, Former Union Minister and Member of Parliament, convened on January 15th, including industry stalwarts and visionaries such as Sanjeev Bikhchandani, Founder and Executive Vice Chairman Info Edge, Prasoon Joshi CEO, McCann World group India and Chairman APAC, Dr. Aruna Sharma, Economist, Ajay Sawhney, Former Secretary, MeitY, Arvind Gupta Head & Co-Founder Digital India Foundation, Shashi Sekhar Vempati, Former CEO, Prasad Bharati, Vinit Goenka, Author, Robert Ravi, CTO, Government of Tamil Nadu, Nappinai NS, Founder, Cyber Saathi, and Supreme Court Advocate.


The DNPA Conclave & Awards 2024 promises to be a landmark event, uniting industry leaders, global experts, visionaries, and innovative minds to explore the challenges and opportunities presented by digital transformation.