THE INDIAN NEWSPAPER industry is steadily regaining ground after the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, though circulation and readership remain below pre-pandemic levels, according to Dr VS Narayanan, senior general manager, technical of Tamil daily Dinamalar. “We are witnessing a gradual recovery, with many newspapers picking up again. However, circulation is still far from pre-pandemic levels,” he said.
Before COVID-19, Dinamalar printed between 1.1 and 1.3 million copies across nine printing centres. Circulation declined by 28% during the pandemic, and while it has since rebounded by 13–14%, shifting readership habits continue to pose challenges. One of the biggest has been the decline in sales from tea shops, where newspapers were traditionally shared among large audiences, Dr Narayanan explained.
Investment and adaptation in print news media
Although the industry is stabilizing, companies remain cautious about major investments. “We had planned a significant configuration upgrade to streamline production within three to four hours daily, but we decided to put it on hold,” he noted.
Newspapers have responded to industry challenges in different ways. Some have strengthened their editorial teams, while others focus on marketing to attract advertisers. “Editorial integrity remains crucial—readers still value authenticity,” he added.
The role of technology in modern printing
Printing technology has evolved from traditional mechanics to electronic engineering. “Running a printing press today is akin to flying a plane—it requires a techno-commercial approach,” Dr Narayanan explained.
He highlighted the precision required in printing, where even minor variations in paper thickness can affect quality. “A full stop must remain a full stop, with no dot gain. This level of detail is what owners appreciate, but they often lack the time to focus on it.”
Color pages from Dinamalar Tamil dailyWorkforce shifts and employee retention
The industry is also experiencing shifts in workforce mentality. “Earlier, employees remained with a company for decades. Today, younger professionals often switch jobs every three years for better pay or new challenges. That’s not wrong—it’s just a different approach,” he observed.
Dr Narayanan believes employee retention depends on mutual respect. “If workers feel valued, they won’t leave, even for a higher salary elsewhere. It’s about trust and workplace culture,” he said.
As the newspaper industry navigates these challenges, its ability to adapt—through editorial strength, financial strategy, and technological investment—will determine its future trajectory.
The future of print – automation, costs, and market challenges
“Automation ensures accuracy and real-time monitoring, which is essential in a 24/7 operation like newspaper printing. The ability to track every stage of the production process remotely is no longer futuristic but a necessity,” he explained.
He recalled an instance in China when a machine stopped working during a holiday. A remote technical support centre in Germany was able to troubleshoot the issue, highlighting the efficiency and necessity of automated systems. “While such systems can be expensive, they ensure continuous operations and prevent costly delays.”
Late adoption and investment hurdles
Despite the benefits of automation, Dinamalar lagged in implementing these systems compared to other players. “The shift towards automation requires significant investment, which can be challenging. While others adopted automation five years earlier, we are now playing catch-up,” he admitted.
The newspaper has been introducing automation at various levels, including story collection, color manipulation, and pre-press quality inspections. However, he stressed that automation is only effective when properly monitored and analyzed.
“Many collect vast amounts of data but fail to analyse it. A structured system to monitor performance and reward improvements is key,” he said.
Press and pre-press – the backbone of quality
Dr Narayanan emphasized that pre-press is just as crucial as printing. “A poor-quality image can be enhanced, but even the best images can be ruined without proper monitoring. Standardization is critical, whether following international benchmarks or setting our own.”
He also highlighted Dinamalar’s approach to maintaining consistency across its printing plants in Madurai, Coimbatore, and Pondicherry. “Uniform systems, security, energy-saving measures, waste reduction, and outsourcing where necessary are all part of our cost-optimization strategy.”
Looking ahead – survival strategies
With print media facing an uncertain future, newspapers are diversifying and modernizing. Dinamalar, like other major newspapers, is focusing on digital platforms, automation, and sustainability.
“We are investing in ePaper and digital advertising solutions. Cost control is key—reducing manpower where possible, upgrading technology, and maintaining operational efficiency. The next five years will be crucial for the industry,” he said.
Despite the challenges, he remains optimistic about print’s role in the media ecosystem. “Newspapers may no longer dominate the market, but their credibility and in-depth reporting still hold value. The key is to adapt and stay relevant in a rapidly changing world.”
With increasing pressures from rising costs and shifting consumer habits, the industry faces an uphill battle, but strategic investments and innovation could ensure its longevity.
