As we begin the New Year, we spoke to industry leaders to reflect on the shifts that shaped 2025 and the forces expected to define 2026. For Lakshmi Menon, CEO, The New Indian Express, 2025 was a year when print proved that depth, trust, and credibility still matter—especially in a fragmented media landscape.
Reflecting on how the past year unfolded for print, she notes: “In 2025, legacy print media in India reaffirmed its relevance by doubling down on depth, trust, and credibility. For many audiences, print remained the primary entry point to trusted news, complemented by digital touchpoints. Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities and towns drove a significant increase in readership and advertiser spending, scripting much of the sector’s growth story.”
Looking ahead, Menon believes the next phase of growth will be defined by sharper integration, stronger reader relationships, and responsible use of technology. “Three Trends to Watch in 2026 will be:
- Print-first journalism with digital extensions—where strong reporting in print is amplified through video, podcasts, newsletters, and explainers across digital platforms.
- A deliberate shift towards reader revenue, as legacy brands leverage decades of trust to grow subscriptions, memberships, and premium offerings.
- AI as an enabler, not a replacement—working behind the scenes to improve newsroom efficiency, content discovery, and personalisation, while editorial judgement and accountability remain firmly human.”
(As told to Yash Bhatia)
