Centre Raises Print Advertisement Rates by 26% After Six Years, Effective Mid-November

The Indian government has announced a significant 26% hike in print media advertisement rates, marking the first such increase since 2019 when rates rose by 25%. This adjustment, slated to take effect in mid-November 2025 following the lifting of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) after the Bihar assembly elections, is part of a comprehensive reform agenda by the Bureau of Outreach and Communication (BOC). The initiative also encompasses rate revisions for TV, radio, and DTH platforms, with a formal notification expected by December 2025. This move signals a strategic effort to bolster the financial viability of traditional media, particularly print, which remains a key channel for government communication and public outreach.

Major listed print media companies, including HT Media, Jagran Prakashan, Hindustan Media Ventures, and DB Corp, are poised to reap substantial benefits, as printing and publishing constitute a significant portion of their revenue streams. HT Media, which publishes The Hindustan Times and Mint, derives approximately 78% of its income from this segment, while Jagran Prakashan, responsible for Dainik Jagran, Nai Duniya, and the Urdu daily Inquilab, relies on it for 77%. Hindustan Media Ventures, a subsidiary of HT Media, generates an even higher 89% from print activities. DB Corp, publisher of Dainik Bhaskar, Divya Bhaskar, and Divya Marathi, sees 70% of its overall revenue and 64% of its ad revenue from print, with government advertisements accounting for 17–25% of its print ad income, making the hike particularly impactful for these industry giants.

Analysts project that the revised rates could lead to a 4.4% increase in DB Corp’s print ad revenue and a 3% boost to its overall revenue, based on its current business mix. This financial uplift is a critical opportunity for print-focused publishers, especially those heavily reliant on government ads, which form a substantial portion of their income. However, the industry faces challenges from rising operational costs, such as newsprint and distribution, which continue to squeeze profit margins. The success of this rate hike depends on its timely implementation post-MCC and the ability of publishers to manage these cost pressures while capitalizing on the increased ad revenue to strengthen their financial position.

Also Read: Congress Questions PM Modi’s Energy Diplomacy Following Trump’s Russian Oil Remarks

The government’s decision underscores the enduring relevance of print media in India’s diverse media landscape, particularly for reaching audiences in both urban and rural areas. For companies with established titles like Hindustan and Divya Marathi, the hike represents a lifeline to offset declining ad revenues in an increasingly digital media environment. The BOC’s broader reform agenda also suggests a commitment to modernizing media outreach strategies, ensuring print remains competitive alongside newer platforms. Publishers are now gearing up to leverage this opportunity, with industry leaders closely monitoring the timeline and scope of the forthcoming notification to maximize its benefits.

As the print media sector anticipates this significant revenue boost, the rate hike could reshape the financial outlook for these publishers, reinforcing their role in public communication. The industry awaits the BOC’s final notification, which will provide clarity on the implementation details and potential additional reforms. Amidst challenges like digital disruption and rising costs, this policy shift offers a chance for print media giants to stabilize and thrive, provided they can navigate the operational hurdles and capitalize on the government’s renewed support for the sector.

Also Read: Print Media Gets Lift: Government to Hike Advertisement Rates by 27% After Bihar Polls