News Broadcasting
Times Network crosses 100M users online: Comscore
Mumbai: Times Network has emerged as India’s top digital news publisher, amassing 104 million monthly unique users across platforms, according to Comscore’s August 2024 report. This remarkable achievement highlights the network’s impressive 168 per cent growth since February 2024, outpacing competitors like NDTV (99 million), ABP Network (89 million), Jagran (86 million), and Indian Express (77 million). Times Network’s commitment to delivering innovative, digital-first content formats has cemented its leadership in both the general and business news segments.
This surge was driven by the Network’s flagship digital brands—TimesNow.in, ETNow.in, TimesNowNavbharat.in, Zoomtv.com, and Digit.in—which offer users a personalised experience through live interactive segments, consumer-centric explainers, and cutting-edge content powered by AI and AR. The recent acquisition of tech platform Digit.in played a key role in this growth, delivering a 160 per cent increase in just three months.
Times Network has also expanded into regional languages, including Marathi, Telugu, Tamil, and Bangla, to meet the growing demand for localised content. Further expansion into languages like Malayalam and Kannada is expected soon. Additionally, the launch of TimesDrive.in (auto news) and HealthandMe.com (health and wellness) showcases the Network’s ongoing diversification into key verticals.
Speaking on the occasion, a spokesperson from Times Network said: “Our digital-first initiatives and commitment to high-quality journalism have fueled our rapid growth, helping us surpass legacy players in the market. With 104 million unique users and counting, we are proud to lead India’s digital news revolution.”
The network’s growth reflects its commitment to meeting the evolving interests of its audience across industries while maintaining a steadfast focus on audience engagement and quality journalism. Earlier this year, Times Network became the fastest-growing digital video news network in the country, with over 4 billion monthly views across its channels.
News Broadcasting
DNPA names Puneet Gupt chairperson; Anant Goenka steps in as vice chairperson
Leadership reset comes as digital news grapples with AI-led disruption and policy battles
NEW DELHI: India’s digital news lobby has a new pilot at the helm just as the industry stares down its next big disruption. The Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) has named Puneet Gupt, chief operating officer at Times Internet, as chairperson, succeeding Mariam Mammen Mathew at the end of her two-year term.
Gupt, who previously served as vice chairperson, steps into the top role with deep familiarity of the body’s agenda, ensuring a smooth transition at a time when publishers are recalibrating for an AI-shaped future. Anant Goenka, executive director at The Indian Express Group, has been appointed vice chairperson, while Dhruba Mukherjee continues as treasurer.
“Digital news publishers are navigating one of the most consequential shifts the industry has ever seen, from how content is discovered to how it is valued in an AI-driven world. DNPA’s role as a unified industry voice has never mattered more. My focus will be on ensuring that our members are not just responding to these changes, but actively contributing to the policy and industry frameworks around them,” said Puneet Gupt.
Goenka underscored the need for collective action as the sector evolves. “This is an important moment for DNPA and for the digital news publishing industry in India. There is real value in publishers coming together, sharing perspectives, and building a common understanding of the opportunities and challenges ahead. I look forward to contributing to that effort with DNPA members,” he said.
Outgoing chairperson Mariam Mammen Mathew called it a timely transition. “It has been a privilege to lead DNPA at such a pivotal time for the industry. I am confident that under Puneet’s leadership, DNPA will continue to grow in influence and impact. I wish the new team every success,” she said.
Sujata Gupta, secretary general and chief executive officer at DNPA, framed the shift as a springboard for the next phase. “This transition marks an exciting new chapter for DNPA. We have spent the last few years building the credibility, relationships, and frameworks that allow us to engage meaningfully on the issues that matter most to our members. With Puneet and Anant at the helm, we are well-positioned to translate that foundation into tangible outcomes, on policy, on fair commercial frameworks, and on ensuring that digital news publishing remains a sustainable and vital part of India’s information ecosystem,” she said.
The leadership rejig lands at a moment when digital publishers are battling shifting discovery patterns, platform power and the economics of AI. For DNPA, the message is clear: the next phase will be less about reacting and more about shaping the rules of the game.
