26% hike in print ad rates: MIB accepts panel recommendations

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has informed the Parliament on Wednesday that it has assessed and approved the recommendations on cost structure of newspaper operations including hiking ad rates by 26%, saying that the rate revision is aligned with the rising input costs and the growing competitive pressure print publications face from digital media.

Responding to a query on the approval of a sudden 26% hike in print advertisement rates at a time when multiple ministries are reportedly facing budgetary constraints, Union Minister L Murugan said the 9th Rate Structure Committee (RSC), constituted on 11 November 2021, to revise advertisement rates for print media, held extensive consultations with key industry stakeholders, including the Indian Newspaper Society (INS), All India Small Newspapers Association (AISNA), Small-Medium-Big Newspapers Society (SMBNS), as well as representatives of large, medium and small publications across the country.

The committee evaluated a broad range of cost parameters affecting print media sustainability, such as the steep rise in newsprint prices, inflationary pressures, higher processing and production expenses, wage liabilities, and fluctuations in imported paper rates. Based on this assessment, it submitted a set of unanimous recommendations, which the government has now approved in full, the minister said.

The revised structure includes provisions for premium rates on colour advertisements and preferential positioning. The government told Parliament that the rate revision is aligned with the rising input costs and the growing competitive pressure print publications face from digital media.

The government said that it has accepted the recommendations of the committee which was tasked with examining the evolving cost structure of newspaper operations and suggesting appropriate revisions to government ad tariffs.

The enhanced revenue inflow, it said, will help sustain print operations, particularly for regional and smaller publications, while strengthening local news ecosystems. Improved financial stability is also expected to support better investments in content creation, thereby serving public interest more effectively.