With constant changes in the various business sectors across India, the print media is also looking to establish itself in a more organized way and experts feel that the current year could be known for mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and other alliances in this space.
 

While HT Media Ltd is ready to launch its financial paper in Delhi and Mumbai, Mumbai's 18-month old newspaper, DNA, is also eyeing Delhi and Bangalore. The vernacular print market is bustling with action, too. The Hindi press is particularly active, expanding its footprint through new editions and second newspaper brands.

India's biggest print company Bennett, Coleman & Co Ltd is also seeking ways and means to exploit the regional market boom through alliances with vernacular dailies. In the process, it's leading the way for mergers and acquisitions.

Local advertising is growing and major national players in categories such as real estate, education, retail, telecom and financial products are increasingly turning to print. Advertisers will continue to bet on print as the medium is less cluttered than television, feel experts.
 
Clearly, the Rs 6,500 crore print media sector is hot. And the growth drivers look good. With FDI of up to 26 % being allowed in newspapers, and both strategic investors and private equity funds keen to pump in money, print media is all set to add a new page to its success story this year.