India Govt Boosts Print Ad Rates by 26% to Support Newspapers Amid Digital Competition
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The Indian government has approved a 26% increase in the rates it pays for print advertisements, effective from December 1, 2025. This move aims to strengthen the revenue base of newspapers, which face rising costs and competition from digital platforms. According to the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, the revised rates will provide essential revenue support to print media, enabling them to sustain operations, maintain quality journalism, and support local news initiatives. The rates will vary depending on the type of advertisement and the newspaper's circulation. Under the new structure, the rate for black-and-white ads in daily newspapers with a circulation of one lakh has increased from ₹47.40 to ₹59.68 per sq cm. The government has also introduced premium rates for colour advertisements and preferential positioning. The decision follows recommendations from the 9th Rate Structure Committee, set up in November 2021. The committee reviewed submissions from newspaper bodies and considered factors such as inflation, rising newsprint prices, wages, and processing costs. Industry experts welcome the move, citing that it will help newspapers adapt to changing media consumption trends and better target their communications strategies. The government believes that recognizing the value of print media in a diversified media ecosystem will ensure that its communications strategies reach citizens effectively across various platforms.
