The digital news industry has delayed an uncomfortable conversation for too long: how to fund credible journalism sustainably in an environment conditioned to expect content for free. While reach expanded rapidly, revenue models struggled to keep pace. Advertising alone, once seen as the backbone of digital media, is no longer sufficient to support the depth and diversity journalism demands.For years, audiences were trained to believe that news online should be free. The value behind reported stories, fieldwork, verification, legal checks, and investigations was rarely explained. The result is what many in the industry now call the “free-content illusion”.At the same time, revenue streams have become fragmented. Digital advertising no longer carries the weight it once did. This economic reckoning is forcing editors and management teams to confront difficult trade-offs. Cutting costs often means cutting depth, investigative capacity, and diversity of voices. Scale without sustainability offers diminishing returns. The challenge is not only about finding new revenue models, but about rebuilding a fair value exchange between journalism and its audiences, clearly and transparently.If journalism is expected to function as a public service, someone must fund that service.These trends will be discussed in detail at the Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) Conclave 2026 in New Delhi on 26 February. The theme this year is ‘The New World Order of News: Rewriting the Playbook for a Resilient Digital Future’, highlighting how Indian media is navigating the balance between reach, purpose, and ownership.The Digital News Publishers Association is a leading industry body representing digital media organisations across India. It works to strengthen credible journalism, uphold ethical standards, and support sustainable growth in the digital news ecosystem.DNPA Conclave 2026 provides a platform for policymakers, media leaders, and experts to explore emerging trends, shared challenges, and the future roadmap for India’s digital media. Curated panels and expert sessions will offer insights into building a resilient, purpose-driven media landscape in an era of rapid digital change.
