News Broadcasting
Cable ops seek public support on CAS
NEW DELHI: Even as the Indian government is weighing various options, including promulgation of an Ordinance junking CAS (conditional access system) for all practical purpose, a seemingly perturbed cable fraternity in Delhi has called for an interaction with the media on Monday to reach out to the government as well as the consumers.
The press conference called by the cable fraternity, likely to be attended by representatives of some multi-system operators (MSOs) too, seems to have one single agenda: communicate to the populace of Delhi, especially South Delhi, that their “support” is needed to make CAS a reality.
“The meet has also been called to educate the consumer on the pros and cons of CAS, the politics involved, the high-handedness of the broadcasters, most of whom have raised prices for pay channels, and the Catch 22 situation in which the cable industry is in,” a cable op, part of organising panel for the press conference, said.
With time running out for all the stakeholders of CAS, including the government, activity like these are likely to increase in coming days.
The government, on its part, is toying with the idea of an ordinance, but for that to happen the ground has to be good enough to convince the President.
Of course, the government can also go in for an interim broadcast regulator — as has been demanded by the consumers body.
However, for all these to happen, a certain thing has to be kept in mind: the political atmosphere of the country.
A government that seems to be gearing up for an early poll would not be a government to take decisions that would anger the hoi-polloi.
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.
