The Government has approved revised advertisement rates for print media, providing much-needed support to newspapers facing rising input costs and increasing competition from digital platforms. These revisions aim to strengthen the financial sustainability of print publications and ensure continued dissemination of credible information to citizens.
The 9th Rate Structure Committee (RSC), constituted on 11 November 2021, examined the need for changes in advertisement rates for print media. The Committee engaged in extensive consultations with key stakeholders, including the Indian Newspaper Society (INS), All India Small Newspapers Association (AISNA), Small-Medium-Big Newspapers Society (SMBNS), and representatives from large, medium, and small publications.
The Committee evaluated multiple cost factors affecting the print media sector, including:
- Steep rise in newsprint prices,
- Inflationary pressures,
- Processing and production costs,
- Employee wage obligations,
- Imported paper prices, and
- Other operational expenses.
Based on these assessments, the Committee submitted unanimous recommendations, which the Government has accepted. These include premium rates for colour advertisements and provisions for preferential positioning.
The revised advertisement rates are aligned with the rising cost burden on newspapers and the challenges posed by digital-era competition. Increased revenue will:
- Help sustain print media operations,
- Strengthen local news ecosystems,
- Improve financial stability, enabling investments in higher-quality content,
- Enhance the sector’s ability to serve public interest.
By acknowledging the continued relevance of print media in an evolving media landscape, the Government aims to ensure more effective public communication and information outreach.
Dr. L. Murugan, Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, shared this information in the Lok Sabha today in response to questions raised by Shri Suresh Kumar Shetkar, Shri Vijayakumar alias Vijay Vasanth, and Shri Manickam Tagore B.
