I&B ministry hikes advertisement rates for print media by 25%

The decision, which will benefit small and medium newspapers, including those in regional and vernacular languages, is effective from Tuesday (8 January 2018) and will be valid for a period of three years.                                                

The ministry last revised rates on print ads in 2013 when it was raised by 19 per cent over and above the rates of 2010. 

The decision has been taken based on the recommendations of the 8th Rate Structure Committee constituted by I&B ministry. The committee took into account several factors, including the increase in price of newsprint, processing charges and other factors which go into the computation of advertisement rates. 

I&B ministry hikes advertisement rates for print media by 25%

The ministry of information and broadcasting on Tuesday announced a 25 per cent increase in the advertisement rates for print media over and above the existing rate structure for advertisement in print media by the Bureau of Outreach and Communication (erstwhile DAVP). 

The decision, which will benefit small and medium newspapers, including those in regional and vernacular languages, is effective from Tuesday (8 January 2018) and will be valid for a period of three years.                                                

The ministry last revised rates on print ads in 2013 when it was raised by 19 per cent over and above the rates of 2010. 

The decision has been taken based on the recommendations of the 8th Rate Structure Committee constituted by I&B ministry. The committee took into account several factors, including the increase in price of newsprint, processing charges and other factors which go into the computation of advertisement rates. 

The government has spent Rs1,856.82 crore on advertisements in newspapers and magazines in the last three years, minister for information and broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore said in reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha on 31 December.

The Bureau of Outreach and Communication or BOC has spent the amount for communication campaigns in print media on behalf of various ministries and departments, he said. 

The number of release orders were 20,111 in 2015-2016 and the cost was Rs579.88 crore, while the number of orders in 2016-17 was 21,576 and the cost Rs628.04 crore. In 2017-2018, there were 11,798 release orders while the cost was Rs648.82 crore, he said.

The BOC is the nodal agency of the government for advertising by various ministries and organisations, including public sector undertakings and autonomous bodies.