Indian Printers Summit 2026

Inauguration and welcome

Pratap Govindrao Pawar, Chairman and Managing Director, Sakal Media Group
Magdoom Mohamed, Managing Director, WAN IFRA South Asia

Opening Keynote: Navigating the future of news publishing

An expert perspective on the changing global news landscape and what it means for Indian publishers.

Speaker:
Ashwin Padmanabhan,
Chief Operating Officer – WPP Media (Formerly GroupM) South Asia

Revenue of the future

The CEOs of leading Indian news media companies discuss the future of the news publishing business and their strategies for the future.

Uday Jadhav, CEO, Sakal Media Group & Director, AP Globale

Amitabh Sharma, Media Director, GroupM
Dr. Monica Nayyar Patnaik, Director of Eastern Media Limited, Sambad Group

In conversation with:
Pradyuman Maheshwari, Senior Editor and Media Commentator

Beyond Audience Measurement

How advertisers evaluate media effectiveness across print, broadcast and digital channels.

Speaker:
Pratik Rathod,
National Broadcast Head, GroupM

What do advertisers really want from print today?

Trends in the advt industry and tips on how to adapt print products to meet the needs of modern brands and new age readers. Expectations of local markets.

Speaker:
Rugwed Deshpande,
Director, Strategy & Design at Setu Advertising Pvt Ltd | Director, Digital Art VRe

Events as a core revenue driver

Events have emerged as the third-largest revenue stream for media companies worldwide. Experiences from Sakal and lessons on using events as a revenue driver and a tool for reader engagement.

Speakers:
Siddharth Malvadkar, General Manager – Business (Unit Head, Pune), Sakal
Vinayak Bawdekar, General Manager – Events, Sakal

Reaching the last mile: The Times of India distribution journey

Managing the early morning distribution at scale requires efficient last mile delivery at a time when consumers are easily reached at home. This presentation provides insights into the journey of daily newspapers from the time they leave the press to reaching the reader.

Speaker:
Anshul Gupta,
Director – Circulation Sales & Distribution (RMD), BCCL

Magazine distribution driving print revenue

News distribution on new-age platforms and channels. Expanding your reach and building habits that drive readers back.

Speaker:
Deepak Bhatt,
Asst. Vice President – Sales & Distribution, India Today

Editors panel: Church vs State: Is the traditional divide still relevant today

This session explores how publishers can safeguard editorial integrity while developing innovative and sustainable business models.

Panelists:
Sunanda Mehta, Resident Editor, Indian Express
Sachin Kalbag, Editor, Mid Day
Satish Singh, Editorial Head, Dainik Bhaskar

Moderator:
Nilesh Khare, Chief Operating Officer, Saam TV (Sakal Media Group)

Innovations for the future of newspaper business

Ideas, and business models reshaping newspapers for a rapidly changing media landscape, helping build more sustainable, innovative and future-ready businesses.

Speaker:
Deepak Saluja,
CEO, Metropolitan Media Company Ltd

Keynote: Changing Indian demographics and consumer behaviour

What news media leaders need to know about evolving audiences, content preferences, product Strategies, engagement and revenue opportunities.

Speaker:
Saurabh Mukherjea,
Founder & Chief Investment Officer, Marcellus Investment Managers

Panel: Leading through uncertainty

Managing advertising in a volatile market. The challenge is no longer simply to sell advertising—it is to build resilient revenue organisations that can anticipate market shifts, respond quickly to changing demand and consistently deliver against ambitious revenue targets. Chief Revenue officers and advertising leaders discuss how they manage uncertainty, protect revenue during downturns and identify new opportunities for growth.

Panelists:
Varghese Chandy, Vice President, Marketing & Advertising Sales, Malayala Manorama
Rupesh Mutalik, Chief Revenue Officer, Sakal
Vipon Khatwani, Senior Vice President, Jagran Prakashan Limited

Moderator:
Pradyuman Maheshwari, Founder, Editor-in-Chief & CEO, MxMIndia

Optimising content for print, and reader initiatives driving revenue and growth of Dainik Bhaskar

Strategic reader initiatives and editorial tweaks aimed at sustained business growth.

Speaker:
Satish Singh,
Editorial Head, Dainik Bhaskar

Winning back local advertisers

Real world case study of growing revenue from key local sectors—including SMEs, education, healthcare, real estate, jewellery, automotive and government advertising. Solutions that deliver measurable business outcomes rather than simply advertising space.

Speaker:
Ashok Sharma,
Head – Strategic Planning & Business Relationship, Amar Ujala

Fireside chat: Distribution meets advertising

Why strong circulation creates strong revenue. Examples and best practices.

Speakers:
Sridhar Aranala, Chief Sales & Distribution Officer, The Hindu
in conversation with
Vinod Bidwaik, Director – People & Culture, Sakal Media Group & AP Globale

Panel: Business priorities thriving in the age of new media

Attracting young readers and perspectives on growing the organisation embracing digital and future. Voices from the Next Generation leaders.

Panelists:
Devika Shreyamskumar, Director of Operations, Mathrubhumi
Janhavi Pawar, Director, Sakal Media Private Limited
Brihathi Cherukuri, Director, Eenadu

Moderator:
Shital Pawar, Editor, Sakal Media Group

Beyond the broadsheet: Exploring the world of packaging

Expansion and investment strategies towards hybrid technologies and diversification.

Speaker:
Satish Gaikwad,
Chief Operating Officer, Wikas Group, (Sakal Media Group)

Closing Keynote: The future of the media & entertainment industry

Speaker:
Rajeev Jalnapurkar,
Former Director & CEO, Ramoji Film City; Chairman, IAAPI

End of the conference

Plant Visit: The Times of India, Pune

Separate registration is required.