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 Sameer Singh, CEO, HT Media Group, 2025 marked a phase of deliberate transformation—where print strengthened its role through trust, operational intelligence and editorial clarity rather than disruption.
Looking ahead, Singh believes the next phase of print’s journey will be defined by how seamlessly it integrates with broader media and business ecosystems: “As we approach 2026, the evolution of print media is being shaped less by disruption and more by deliberate transformation. One of the most significant trends is the thoughtful adoption of artificial intelligence across publishing operations, supporting deeper audience insights, more precise distribution, and operational efficiency, while preserving the primacy of editorial judgment and human perspective. Equally important is the reassertion of print as a medium of trust and influence. In a landscape increasingly saturated with transient and automated content, print remains a trusted medium, offering credibility, depth, and contextual authority. It is becoming a premium space for considered storytelling, where readers and advertisers seek clarity, permanence, and confidence. The third defining shift is convergence. Print now operates as part of an integrated ecosystem alongside digital platforms, data intelligence, and commerce. This convergence enables media organisations to extend the value of print beyond the page—connecting narratives with measurable engagement and long-term impact. The future of print will belong to publishers who can harmonise technology with trust, innovation with responsibility, and scale with substance. In doing so, print will not only remain relevant but also increasingly indispensable.”
(As told to Neeta Nair)
