Indian publishing according to Sanat Hazra

Hazra, who holds a BS in Photographic Science & Engineering and MS in Printing Technology and who previously, worked at the New York Daily, lists the following industry and macro economic trends:

• The environment is more dynamic than stable
• Vernacular dailies witnessed more fluctuations
• Slow down in Realty sector and government spending had high impact
• Telecom and eCommerce sectors shifting to television and digital
• Newspaper business continues to grow at 8%
• Publishing houses integrating digital via mobile apps and web pages
• Overall positive macroeconomic environment and optimistic GDP projections keeps investor confidence high
• According to IMF, India could be the fastest growing economy in the world with GDP growing above 7.5%

On newspaper and magazines, Hazra notes:

• Many newspapers around the world are downsizing or transitioning towards digital
• India is holding strong with readership increasing in smaller towns, aided by young and aspiring population
• Literacy rates are improving across the country and expected to improve further
• Newspapers still contribute around 96% of the print revenue
• Magazine space is struggling to overcome the onslaught of digital and dropping demand.
• Many publications have discontinued the print versions

On internet penetration, Hazra says:

• In contrast to western countries, India still has 70% of population without access to internet
• Newspapers are still the medium with deep reach and credibility
• Television news channels compliment newspapers as people turn to newspapers to validate facts and analysis heard and seen on television
• Newspapers are still the most trusted media