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Indian Printers Summit 2025: Innovations in Print and Distribution
Table of Contents
Key discussions focus on the coexistence of print and digital, automation, and sustainable practices.
NEW DELHI – The 33rd edition of the Indian Printers Summit, held from September 15-16, featured dual tracks: the Printing Summit and the Distribution Summit. Discussions centered on innovations in printing technology and critical challenges in distribution networks.
Mariam Mammen Mathew, Vice President of WAN-IFRA and CEO of Manorama Online, emphasized the importance of synergy between print and digital platforms during her opening address. “Print and digital go better together,” she stated.
In a commitment to environmental obligation, ABP Kolkata, The Times of India (Ahmedabad & Delhi – Sahibabad) received the “Carbon footprint Verification Certificate” for demonstrating transparency and accountability in their environmental impact.
Benjamin Peetre, Sr Business Developer – Print at Bonnier News Local, Sweden, detailed how AI-assisted workflows are used to produce 45 of its newspapers. He noted, “while print revenue is going down, digital revenue is growing. Our focus is on making print production as efficient as possible to keep it profitable.”
The Summit’s inaugural CEOs’ Roundtable addressed the current state of print and advertising in India.Pawan Agarwal, Deputy MD of DB Corp, commented, “The good news is the industry is stable. We have to continue to focus on print. Digital cannot substitute what print is doing ever. Each medium has to make its own niche.”
Dhruba mukherjee, CEO of ABP, highlighted the value of hyperlocal strategies: “Being hyperlocal gives us the possibility to buy local ads. The impact is high, wastage is low and exposure is greater. This is one area where TV and digital have not been able to penetrate.” Jayant Mammen Mathew, Executive Editor and Director of Malayala Manorama Company, stressed the importance of strong journalism: “Unless we are editorially superior, it will be very arduous for our readers to stick with us.” Tanmay maheshwari, Managing Director of Amar Ujala, emphasized adding value for readers. Ritu kapur,Co-Founder & CEO of The Quint,moderated the discussion.
Automation and Last-Mile Delivery
The Printing Summit explored the integration of automation to optimize print operations. The Distribution Summit investigated how publishers are transforming delivery challenges into viable business models. Case studies from India, Sri Lanka, and Japan illustrated diverse adaptation strategies.
“Print and digital go better together.”
Best in Print Awards 2025
The Best in Print Awards, recognizing excellence in print reproduction, were presented on the Summit’s first evening.
Winners (Less than 150K circulation)
- Gold: Bennett Coleman & Co. [The Times of India,Pune]
- Silver: bennett Coleman & Co.[The Economic Times, Lucknow]
- ABP Pvt Ltd [The Telegraph, Kolkata]
- Bronze: DB Corp [Dainik Bhaskar, jaipur VKI]
Winners (Greater than 150K circulation)
- Gold: Bennett Coleman & Co. [The Times of India, Mumbai]
- Silver: ABP Pvt Ltd [Anandabazar Patrika, Kolkata]
- Bronze: Bennett Coleman & Co. [The Times of India, Bengaluru]
‘Digital Pushing Print to Do More’
magdoom Mohamed, Managing director of WAN-IFRA South Asia, shared his observations from the event, noting, “The level of participation in this event has been improving every year. Indian publishers’ passion for print, its strong hyper-local connection, and the way digital is pushing print to do more were all clearly evident in the program. This augurs well for the future of the news media industry in India.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How can print media compete with digital platforms?
Print media can compete by focusing on hyperlocal content, offering unique advertising opportunities, and integrating digital strategies to enhance reach and engagement. Strong journalism and value-added content are also crucial.
What is the role of automation in the printing industry?
Automation streamlines print operations, reduces costs, and improves efficiency. AI-assisted workflows can optimize content creation, editing, and distribution processes.
Why is hyperlocal content important for print media?
Hyperlocal content provides relevance and value to local communities, attracting readers and advertisers who are interested in specific geographic areas. This targeted approach can enhance engagement and impact.
What are the key challenges in newspaper distribution?
Challenges include rising distribution costs, logistical complexities, and the need to adapt to changing consumer preferences. Publishers are exploring new business models and delivery strategies to address thes issues.
How is the Indian newspaper industry adapting to digital transformation?
Indian newspapers are adapting by investing in digital platforms, integrating online and offline content, and exploring new revenue streams through digital advertising and subscriptions. They are also focusing on data transparency and environmental accountability.
