DNPA Conclave: Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Anurag Thakur Highlight Asymmetry Between Big Tech & Digital News Platforms

The DNPA Conclave served as a platform for policymakers, stakeholders, and industry experts to engage in discussions surrounding the evolving landscape of digital media, particularly in light of advancements in AI.

Anurag Thakur addressed concerns regarding fair revenue distribution for media houses.

Source : X/@ianuragthakur

New Delhi: During the second DNPA Conclave & Digital Impact Awards on Wednesday, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), emphasised the necessity of addressing the revenue-sharing disparity between digital news publishers and major technology platforms. Chandrasekhar highlighted the imminent Digital India Act, slated to be enacted post the 2024 general elections, as a crucial step towards rectifying this discrepancy.

In his keynote address at the conclave, Chandrasekhar articulated concerns regarding the significant discrepancy in the monetisation of content between content creators and tech platforms. He underscored the need for legislation or regulation to address this disparity, ensuring a more equitable environment within the Indian digital ecosystem.

It was my pleasure to be part of the DNPA Conclave & Awards 2024, celebrating excellence in digital initiatives that have profoundly contributed to Bharat’s progress.

Congratulations to all the winners, and my heartfelt gratitude to the organisers and jury members at… pic.twitter.com/FAPw7qjZy8

— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) February 6, 2024

Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur addressed concerns regarding fair revenue distribution for media houses. Thakur emphasised the government's commitment to ensuring equitable compensation for news content published by media outlets. He acknowledged the influence of foreign tech giants and pledged intervention when necessary to safeguard the interests of the nation.

In a session unveiling the findings of EY’s report titled 'Monetising Digital News - A summary of digital news publishing in India', Minister Thakur reiterated the government's willingness to enact changes conducive to fair compensation practices. He emphasised the principle of equality under the law for all stakeholders.

The Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA), representing India's leading news publishers, has been advocating for fair revenue sharing from major tech corporations. Thakur's remarks underscored the government's support for media houses in their pursuit of just compensation for their content. & Awards 2024

The conclave served as a platform for policymakers, stakeholders, and industry experts to engage in discussions surrounding the evolving landscape of digital media, particularly in light of advancements in artificial intelligence (AI).

Notable figures such as Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa and former CEO of NITI Aayog, commended India's approach to maintaining competitiveness within its digital sphere. Kant emphasised the distinctiveness of India's stance compared to other regions heavily reliant on major tech corporations.

'State of Digital Media in India' Report Released

International attendees contributed valuable insights, including discussions on strategies to democratise the publisher-platform relationship and mitigate the influence of Big Tech monopolies. The event also witnessed the launch of a report by Ernst & Young (EY) titled 'State of Digital Media in India,' shedding light on industry trends and consumer preferences.

As per the report, in the digital landscape of India, the realm of online news has emerged as a significant force, reaching an expansive audience of 459 million individuals. This constitutes a substantial 89 per cent of India's total internet users, highlighting the paramount importance of digital news in contemporary society. Among these figures, around 37 per cent of online news consumers frequent news aggregators, while a significant 75 per cent prefer visiting the websites of Indian news outlets for their updates.

Moreover, data reveals that the average consumer utilises more than two distinct platforms to stay informed, showcasing the diversified nature of news consumption habits. Impressively, a notable 38 per cent of these individuals engage with online news content multiple times throughout the day, underscoring the pervasive influence and relevance of digital news sources in modern life.

Throughout the proceedings, there was a consensus on the importance of establishing legislation to ensure a fair and open Internet landscape. Chandrasekhar reiterated the government's commitment to fostering an environment where the internet remains accessible to all, without undue influence from a handful of dominant companies.