Government approves 26% hike in print media ad rates

In a major policy move aimed at bolstering traditional media, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has approved a 26 per cent increase in print media advertisement rates.

For black-and-white ads in dailies with a circulation of one lakh copies, the rate per sq. cm has been raised from Rs 47.40 to Rs 59.68.

In addition, the government has accepted the recommendations of the committee to offer premium rates for colour advertisements and preferential positioning in newspapers — measures that are expected to further boost revenue for print publications.

“Increasing the rates for Government advertisements in print media will yield several significant benefits, both for the government and the media landscape. Higher rates for government advertisements will provide essential revenue support to print media, especially in an era of competition from various other media platforms and in view of the escalation in cost in the last few years," the ministry's statement said.

It further said that," This can help sustain operations, maintain quality journalism, and support local news initiatives. By boosting financial stability, print media can invest in better content, thereby serving the public interest more effectively."

The last hike in rates was implemented in 2019, based on recommendations from the 8th Rate Structure Committee.

The 9th Rate Structure Committee, set up in November 2021, studied rising costs of newsprint and processing before recommending the current revision.