The two main press groups in Shanghai, the birthplace of China's newspaper industry, are to merge, in a move that experts predict will produce new products in digital media.

Shanghai Newspaper Group is to be formed from the merger of Jiefang Daily Group and Wenhui-Xinmin United Press Group, according to Zhu Changyuan, director of the distribution center for Jiefang Daily Group.

While news of the merger has not been officially announced by either media group, strong indications were given by the Shanghai Party committee, which published a list of the future company's managers on Monday.