Themed around “Transformation and sustainable growth of news media business,” the Indian Media Leaders eSummit 2023 addressed the pressing need for news media organisations to embrace digital innovation and sustainable practices, providing a crucial platform for key stakeholders in the news media industry to come together and explore strategies in the face of the rapidly changing digital world.
The eSummit commenced with a captivating keynote address by Fredric Karen, Senior Vice President of editorial (Digital Transformation), who shared his invaluable insights on “4 Key Lessons in Creating a Digitally Sustainable Newsroom.” Mr. Karen’s thought-provoking address highlighted the importance of defining one’s core journalism, spending less in print, investing in technology and keeping data simple and valuable. He offered practical approaches from the experiences at Schibsted, to navigate the challenges while seizing new opportunities.
Day one closed with a panel discussion featuring CEOs of leading Indian news media companies, including Jayant Mammen Mathew, Executive Editor and Director of Malayala Manorama, Samudra Bhattacharya, CEO Print at HT Media, Pawan Agarwal, Dy, Managing Director of DB Corp., Sitaraman Shankar, CEO of The Printers Mysore Ltd., and Editor at Deccan Herald, and moderated by Debarati Guha, Director Programs for Asia at Deutsche Welle. The panellists said that, in the post-COVID era, the readers’ expectations have shifted towards shorter, more concise content. In response, publishers adapt to this change without compromising the trust and credibility they have built with their audiences. The panellists further said they are exploring new technologies and opportunities as part of their evolving business model, including charging for their digital content.
Day 2 of the eSummit discussed the importance of gender diversity for the future in news media and included a panel featuring Ritu Kapur, Co-Founder and CEO, The Quint, Priyanka Tyagi, Editor, Times Internet, Megha Mamgain, Associate Vice President – Health and Lifestyle Verticals, Jagran New Media and Mehak Kasbekar, Vice President & Editor-in-Chief, Brut India. The panel discussed the challenges of women leaders in decision-making positions at media companies and what it takes to build an inclusive media organisation.
Day 3 started with a keynote address by Michael Miller, Executive Chairman of News Corp Australasia. He shared how News Corp transformed into an audience-centric organisation and accomplished the feat of one million paying subscribers for their digital properties. He said News Corp is focused on quality journalism that stands with communities, keeping people connected and informed.
The eSummit concluded with a panel discussion on ‘Managing digital revenue for the future’, featuring Sanjay Sindhwani, CEO, Indian Express Online, Puneet Gupt, COO, Times Internet Ltd., Puneet Jain, CEO, HT Digital, and moderated by Pradyuman Mahewari, media commentator.
Magdoom Mohamed, Managing Director at WAN-IFRA Asia, expressed his gratitude, saying, “We are thrilled with the resounding success of the Indian Media Leaders eSummit 2023. The attendees’ overwhelming participation and active engagement highlight the industry’s determination to embrace digital transformation wholeheartedly. We are confident that this summit’s valuable insights and learnings will pave the way for a brighter and digitally sustainable future for the media fraternity in India and South Asia.”
For more information on the eSummit’s program, speakers, and highlights, please visit the official website at https://wan-ifra.org/events/imles2023/
Contact and Inquiries
For inquiries, please contact Magdoom Mohamed, Managing Director, WAN-IFRA South Asia, Chennai, India. magdoom.mohamed@wan-ifra.org | Thai Anban, Manager – Business Development, WAN-IFRA South Asia, Chennai, India. thai.anban@wan-ifra.org
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