DNPA Conclave 2026: AI, policy shifts and platform changes redrawing future of digital news
Times of India
by TIMESOFINDIA.COMFebruary 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The DNPA Conclave 2026 highlighted the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on digital journalism in India, with key discussions centered around how technological advancements, shifting audience behaviors, and evolving policy frameworks are reshaping the media landscape. Mariam Mammen Mathew, DNPA chairperson and Manorama Online CEO, emphasized that AI is not just a tool but a catalyst for change across all stages of news creation, distribution, and monetization. She stressed the importance of collaboration between policymakers and industry leaders to navigate these changes effectively, particularly as India gears up to implement its AI regulatory framework.
The conclave explored how AI-driven tools are enabling more personalized content delivery, optimizing workflows, and enhancing storytelling capabilities for digital publishers. However, the session also underscored the challenges posed by rapid technological shifts, including issues of data governance, intellectual property protection, and reducing reliance on major tech platforms to ensure traffic resilience. Mathew highlighted DNPA’s efforts to advocate for policies that prioritize credible journalism while fostering innovation, such as engaging with the government on topics like generative AI, copyright laws, and digital data protection.
DNPA has also focused internally on strengthening member collaboration to address common challenges. Initiatives include working groups to explore sustainable monetization models, newsroom adoption of AI tools, and opportunities for collective innovation. These efforts aim to ensure that digital publishers are not left isolated as they navigate the complexities of an AI-mediated ecosystem. The association’s emphasis on trust and editorial integrity was seen as a cornerstone in maintaining the credibility of journalism amid technological disruptions.
The conclave also addressed broader implications for global media, with Mathew noting that India’s approach to regulating AI could serve as a model for other countries. By fostering dialogue between stakeholders, DNPA aims to co-create solutions that balance innovation and ethical practices. The event underscored how the future of digital journalism in India—and globally—depends on striking this delicate equilibrium while addressing challenges like platform dependency and ensuring sustainable monetization strategies.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/26/2026