Mariam Mammen Mathew, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Manorama Online, has been appointed as the chairperson of the Digital News Publishers’ Association (DNPA) for a two-year term starting from April 1, 2024.
She will be succeeding Tanmay Maheshwari, the Managing Director (MD) of Amar Ujala. Mathew served as the vice-chairperson during Maheshwari’s chairmanship.
Expressing her gratitude, Mariam Mammen Mathew stated, “I am honoured to take on the role as chairperson of DNPA and contribute to the country’s digital media landscape. My main goal will be to amplify the scale, influence, and durability of digital news media entities. An integral part of this vision is embracing Artificial Intelligence (AI) to augment our capabilities and drive transformative change. Additionally, I am committed to nurturing a culture of Diversity, Inclusion and Equity within our organisation, which will play a pivotal role in reshaping the media landscape.”
Puneet Gupt, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Times Internet, has been appointed as the new vice-chairman of DNPA, while Puneet Jain, the CEO of Digital HT Media, continues in his role as the treasurer.
DNPA serves as a vital umbrella organisation for digital media businesses, including print and broadcasting, and comprises 18 prominent media organisations. These include Dainik Jagran, Dainik Bhaskar, The Indian Express, Malayala Manorama, ETV, India Today Group, Times Group, Amar Ujala, Hindustan Times, Zee Media, ABP Network, Lokmat, NDTV, The New Indian Express, Mathrubhumi, The Hindu, Network 18 and India TV.
Tanmay Maheshwari said, “Having served as DNPA chairman for two years, I was pleased to contribute to the endeavour of democratising India’s digital news landscape. I am confident that Mariam Mathew will bring valuable insights to our shared mission.”.
Sujata Gupta, the secretary general of DNPA, highlighted the organisation’s efforts in making India’s digital news landscape increasingly equitable.
“Through events and activities, DNPA seeks to safeguard the interests of India’s digital news media houses. During Tanmay Maheshwari’s tenure as chairman and under his guidance, we made significant strides in making India’s digital news landscape increasingly equitable,” said Sujata Gupta, secretary general, DNPA.
DNPA’s endeavours to democratise the digital news space coincide with efforts by Indian regulators to ensure fairness in the operations of Big Tech platforms in the country, led by the Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, Rajeev Chandrasekhar.