Synopsis: The government’s 26% hike in print ad rates is set to boost revenues for major newspaper publishers like HT Media, DB Corp, Hindustan Media Ventures, and Jagran Prakashan, improving profitability amid rising costs and digital competition.
The Indian government has approved a 26% increase in advertisement rates for print media, effective from November 2025. This rate hike is for government advertisements and is aimed at offering vital financial support to the print media sector, which has been facing rising costs and intense competition from digital platforms.
Specifically, the rates for black-and-white advertisements in daily newspapers with a circulation of over one lakh copies have been increased from Rs 47.40 to Rs 59.68 per square centimetre. The government has also introduced additional premium charges for color advertisements and preferential ad placements such as front-page and jacket ads.
Stocks like HT Media, DB Corp, and two others are likely to benefit from improved ad earnings and stronger profitability in the coming quarters.
HT Media Ltd
HT Media is a major Indian media company known for publishing leading newspapers like Hindustan Times and Mint. The company operates across print, digital, and radio, and is expanding its digital footprint to offset the slowdown in traditional print advertising.
With market capitalization of Rs. 583 cr, the shares of HT Media Ltd are currently trading at Rs. 25 per share, from its previous close of Rs. 25.24 per share.
D B Corp Ltd
DB Corp is one of India’s largest newspaper groups, best known for its Hindi daily Dainik Bhaskar. It has a strong presence across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, with diversified revenue streams from print circulation, advertising, and radio broadcasting.
With market capitalization of Rs. 4,697 cr, the shares of D B Corp Ltd are currently trading at Rs. 264 per share, from its previous close of Rs. 261.15 per share.
Hindustan Media Ventures Ltd
Hindustan Media Ventures publishes Hindustan, one of the most widely read Hindi newspapers in North India. With a deep regional presence in Bihar, Jharkhand, UP, and Uttarakhand, it focuses on strengthening circulation and improving digital monetization.
With market capitalization of Rs. 557 cr, the shares of Hindustan Media Ventures Ltd are currently trading at Rs. 75.64 per share, from its previous close of Rs. 75.05 per share.
Jagran Prakashan Ltd
Jagran Prakashan is the publisher of Dainik Jagran, one of India’s most circulated Hindi newspapers. The company has a wide footprint across print, radio (Radio City), and digital platforms, and continues to expand its presence in local news and advertising markets.
With market capitalization of Rs. 1,522 cr, the shares of Jagran Prakashan Ltd are currently trading at Rs. 69.94 per share, from its previous close of Rs. 69.91 per share.
Written by Manideep Appana
Disclaimer
The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts/broking houses/rating agencies on tradebrains.in are their own, and not that of the website or its management. Investing in equities poses a risk of financial losses. Investors must therefore exercise due caution while investing or trading in stocks. Trade Brains Technologies Private Limited or the author are not liable for any losses caused as a result of the decision based on this article. Please consult your investment advisor before investing.
The post Print media stocks in focus as Govt approves 26% ad rate hike appeared first on Trade Brains.