Digit is no longer independent. It has been taken over by Times.
The most valuable property for the readers is the forum. It is not so active any more, but was a defining force for most of our lives. There is tremendous uncertainty about what the future holds. There were some backchannel discussions for the readers to acquire the forum, but that would mean amputating a major part of the community.
The editor, AKA the Great God RAABO was the person who created most of the value that was transferred to a major media conglomerate. It is his advice to wait and watch to see what happens, at least till our friends work at that place.
I know Times, it is trash. It serves advertisers more than the readers. It's products are the eyeballs of the readers, that it vends to the advertisers. It bends over backwards for ads.
Needless to say, I hate ads. Times Now also plagiarised from me, so I hate them too.
The press release is below. I am sad.
Times Network Acquires Digit.in; Boosts Presence in Tech and Gaming Communities
New Delhi, May 27, 2024: Times Network, India's premier broadcast and digital network, has acquired Digit.in from 9.9 Group. The acquisition encompasses Digit’s print as well as digital business. This strategic move signifies Times Network’s commitment to bolstering its digital publishing portfolio and expanding its footprint in the technology and gaming sectors.
This acquisition is part of Times Network’s continued investment in its digital publishing business, which already reaches over 110 million monthly active users and garners more than 1 billion monthly video views. With a monthly reach exceeding 4 billion across its digital news brands, Times Network stands as the fastest-growing multimedia news network in the country, providing credible, accurate, and decisive news and analysis across English and Hindi general and business news categories.
Established in 2001 with the launch of Digit magazine, Digit has dedicated over two decades to helping people choose, buy, and use technology to enhance their lives. Over the years, Digit has successfully expanded its presence online through Digit.in and has become one of the leading publishers in the technology space. Also renowned for its vibrant communities, including Digit Squad, a network of tech influencers, and the SKOAR College Gaming Club (SCGC), a premier college gaming community. Collectively, Digit and Digit Squad boast a total reach of 180 million, underscoring their significant influence in the tech world.
N Subramanian, Chief Executive Officer (New Media and Investments) of Times Group, expressed his enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “At Times, we are committed to creating high-value digital communities that leverage audiences and commerce to deliver unparalleled value. We believe Digit fits very well in our overall strategy of building a portfolio of digital products catering to diverse audiences. It will help bring in new audiences to the network. We are confident that, under the aegis of Times Group, Digit’s existing legacy and leadership will grow manifold.”
Vikas Gupta, Founder & Director of 9.9 Group, echoed this sentiment, saying, “Digit has been India's Technology Navigator for the past 24 years, and we are thrilled to announce that it has found a new home with one of the largest publishers in the country, the Times Network. This marks an exciting new chapter for Digit, and we are confident that it will propel Digit to even greater heights. Digit's offerings will tap into the Times Network's extensive network, expertise, and legacy, ultimately benefiting our readers and the tech community at large. For over two decades, Digit’s mission has been to empower India with timely and trusted information on tech, as well as expert advice to navigate the rapidly evolving tech landscape. We are delighted that Digit will continue to thrive and grow, remaining a trusted tech navigator for India.”
The addition of Digit to Times Network’s expanding digital portfolio strengthens its position in the tech domain. Digit’s presence in digital, print, and on-ground events, along with its strong tech proposition, complements Times Network's existing assets. This synergy offers advertisers a robust platform to engage with a tech-savvy audience.
Indium Capital served as the sole investment banking advisor for this acquisition.
About Times Network
TIMES NETWORK, a premium broadcast network is part of India’s largest media conglomerate, The Times Group. Times Network with its credo Now or Nothing takes the centre stage of influencing the influencer, by delivering the most compelling and irreplaceable content to over 200 million urban affluent viewers in India and is available in over 100 countries across the globe. It houses best in class News, Hollywood and Bollywood brands including; TIMES NOW – India’s leading English News channel, ET NOW - India’s leading English Business News channel, MIRROR NOW - the channel that Fights for ‘You’ and channelizes its focus on issues that impact people’s lives; Times Now Navbharat – Network’s Hindi News Channel in SD & HD that leads with a transformational positioning, Ab Badlega Bharat, Banega Navbharat; ET NOW Swadesh – Network’s Hindi Business News Channel which is driven with the mission, Badho Desh Ke Saath; MOVIES NOW and MOVIES NOW HD – Home to Blockbusters; MN+ – The Gold class of Hollywood; Romedy NOW– a unique destination for Love. Laugh and Live; MNX and MNX HD – Hollywood’s wild child, Zoom - India’s leading entertainment destination and The Zoom Studios – original content creator that brings stories to life with relatable and compelling narratives; Times Chronicles, the content studio from Times Network that produces originals, real and gripping stories on important topics pertinent to the contemporary world. Timesnow.in, the digital entity of the Network, has seamlessly adapted itself to serve the diverse nature and interests of the content-savvy internet audience.
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