Digital Media Convergence and Local News Production: A Case Study of Haryana’s Evolving Journalism Ecosystem

Abstract

The convergence of digital media has significantly transformed the global news industry, offering new avenues for content production, distribution and audience engagement. This paper investigates the impact of digital media convergence on local news production in the Indian state of Haryana, a region characterized by both urban growth and rural disparity. Using a quantitative research approach with a structured questionnaire administered to 100 media professionals, the study analyzes changes in news production efficiency, content diversity, audience engagement and the challenges faced during digital integration. The findings reveal a dominant reliance on digital-only platforms, with social media and mobile reporting tools leading the transition. While digital convergence enhances content quality and diversity, it does not substantially reduce production costs due to infrastructural and financial constraints. Audience engagement is highest through interactive storytelling and live streaming, yet adoption challenges persist, particularly the high cost of digital tools, insufficient infrastructure and lack of technical skills. Despite these barriers, over 76% of respondents perceive the shift toward digital convergence as positive. The study contributes to the understanding of regional digital transitions in journalism and offers policy and practice insights for similar socio-economic media landscapes.