26% hike in print ad rates: MIB approves panel’s recommendations

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting informed Parliament on Wednesday that it has reviewed and approved the recommendations on the cost structure of newspaper operations, including a 26% hike in advertisement rates. The ministry said the revision reflects rising input costs and the increasing competitive pressure that print publications face from digital media.

Responding to a query on the timing of the sharp 26% increase—especially when several ministries are reportedly dealing with budget constraints—Union Minister L. Murugan said the 9th Rate Structure Committee (RSC), set up on 11 November 2021 to revise print media advertisement rates, conducted extensive consultations with key industry bodies. These included the Indian Newspaper Society (INS), All India Small Newspapers Association (AISNA), Small-Medium-Big Newspapers Society (SMBNS), along with representatives from large, medium and small publications nationwide.

The committee examined a wide spectrum of cost factors affecting the viability of print media, such as the steep rise in newsprint prices, inflationary pressures, higher processing and production costs, wage liabilities, and fluctuations in imported paper rates. Based on this assessment, it submitted a set of unanimous recommendations, which the government has now fully accepted.

The revised rate structure also introduces premium charges for colour advertisements and for preferential placement. The ministry reiterated that the revision is in line with escalating input costs and the mounting competitive challenges posed by digital media.

According to the government, the approved recommendations are intended to reflect current operational realities and ensure fair ad tariffs for print publishers. The increased revenue inflow is expected to help sustain print operations—especially regional and smaller publications—and strengthen local news ecosystems. Improved financial stability, it added, would also enable greater investment in content creation, ultimately serving the public interest more effectively.