Top 10 Newspaper Circulations in India
Discover the top 10 newspaper circulations in India for 2024. Explore which newspapers lead the market, their reach, and their impact on the Indian readership.
India’s media landscape is vibrant and diverse, with newspapers playing a crucial role in informing and shaping public opinion. Despite the rise of digital media, print newspapers continue to have a significant presence. Here’s a look at the top 10 newspapers in India based on circulation, reflecting their widespread reach and influence.
Table of Contents
1. The Times of India
The Times of India (TOI) is one of India’s oldest and most widely circulated English-language newspapers, established in 1838. Known for its comprehensive news coverage, TOI caters to a diverse audience with its wide range of content, including national and international news, business updates, sports, entertainment, and lifestyle features. The newspaper is published by Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd., and has editions in several major cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Chennai.
Table:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | 1838 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. |
| Major Cities | Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai |
| Coverage | National and International News, Business, Sports, Entertainment, Lifestyle |
| Circulation | Approx. 1.2 million copies daily (varies) |
The Times of India (TOI) stands as the most widely circulated English-language newspaper in India. With a rich history dating back to 1838, TOI offers comprehensive news coverage, including national and international stories, business updates, and lifestyle features. Its extensive reach across the country makes it a top choice for readers.
2. The Hindu
Founded in 1878, The Hindu is renowned for its in-depth and analytical reporting. It is one of India’s most respected English newspapers, particularly known for its serious journalism and detailed coverage of national and international affairs. The Hindu has a strong presence in southern India, especially in Tamil Nadu, where it is highly influential. It also offers extensive coverage of business, culture, and politics.
Table:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | 1878 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | The Hindu Group |
| Major Cities | Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Delhi |
| Coverage | National and International News, Business, Culture, Politics |
| Circulation | Approx. 1 million copies daily (varies) |
Known for its in-depth analysis and thoughtful reporting, The Hindu is one of India’s leading English newspapers. Founded in 1878, it is respected for its editorial integrity and comprehensive coverage of national and international news. It has a strong presence in southern India, particularly in Tamil Nadu.
3. Dainik Jagran
Dainik Jagran is the leading Hindi newspaper in India, with its first edition published in 1974. It has a significant presence in the Hindi-speaking regions, including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Jharkhand. Dainik Jagran offers a wide range of content, from local news and politics to entertainment and lifestyle. Its extensive network of editions across multiple states contributes to its high circulation numbers.
Table:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | 1974 |
| Language | Hindi |
| Publisher | Jagran Prakashan Ltd. |
| Major States | Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand |
| Coverage | Local News, Politics, Entertainment, Lifestyle |
| Circulation | Approx. 2.5 million copies daily (varies) |
Dainik Jagran is the largest circulated Hindi newspaper in India. With its roots in the Hindi-speaking belt, this newspaper offers a broad range of content, from local news to national affairs. Its wide reach and ability to cater to regional audiences contribute to its high circulation numbers.
4. Hindustan Times
Founded in 1924, Hindustan Times is a prominent English-language newspaper known for its balanced reporting and modern approach. It is widely circulated in northern India, especially in Delhi and Mumbai. The Hindustan Times provides extensive coverage of national and international news, business, and lifestyle topics. It is published by HT Media Ltd., and its editorial stance is often seen as progressive and insightful.
Table:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | 1924 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | HT Media Ltd. |
| Major Cities | Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh, Kolkata |
| Coverage | National and International News, Business, Lifestyle |
| Circulation | Approx. 1 million copies daily (varies) |
The Hindustan Times, another major English-language newspaper, is known for its balanced reporting and modern approach to news. Established in 1924, it has a strong presence in northern India, particularly in Delhi and Mumbai, and offers extensive coverage of current events and lifestyle topics.
5. Dainik Bhaskar
Dainik Bhaskar, launched in 1958, is a major Hindi newspaper with a strong presence in northern and central India. It covers a broad range of topics, including local and national news, politics, entertainment, and sports. The newspaper is published by Dainik Bhaskar Group and is well-regarded for its engaging content and reader-friendly format.
Table:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | 1958 |
| Language | Hindi |
| Publisher | Dainik Bhaskar Group |
| Major States | Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana |
| Coverage | Local News, Politics, Entertainment, Sports |
| Circulation | Approx. 2 million copies daily (varies) |
Dainik Bhaskar is a prominent Hindi newspaper with a significant presence across northern and central India. Launched in 1958, it is known for its engaging content and in-depth local news coverage, which has helped it achieve high circulation figures.
6. The Economic Times
The Economic Times, founded in 1961, is India’s leading business newspaper, focusing on financial news, economic policies, and market trends. Published by Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd., it caters to business professionals, investors, and policy-makers. The newspaper is known for its detailed coverage of economic and financial topics, as well as its analysis and expert opinions.
Table:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | 1961 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. |
| Major Cities | Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai |
| Coverage | Financial News, Economic Policies, Market Trends |
| Circulation | Approx. 500,000 copies daily (varies) |
As India’s leading business newspaper, The Economic Times focuses on financial news, economic policies, and market trends. It has a strong readership among professionals and business executives, making it a key player in the English-language newspaper market.
7. Lokmat
Lokmat, established in 1991, is a major Marathi newspaper with substantial circulation in Maharashtra. Known for its detailed local news coverage and cultural content, Lokmat appeals to the Marathi-speaking population and has editions across various cities in Maharashtra. The newspaper covers regional news, politics, and entertainment with a strong focus on local issues.
Table:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | 1991 |
| Language | Marathi |
| Publisher | Lokmat Media Pvt. Ltd. |
| Major Cities | Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Aurangabad |
| Coverage | Local News, Politics, Entertainment, Culture |
| Circulation | Approx. 1.5 million copies daily (varies) |
Lokmat is a major Marathi newspaper with substantial circulation in Maharashtra. Established in 1991, it covers regional news, politics, and cultural topics, appealing to the Marathi-speaking population and contributing to its high circulation.
8. Amar Ujala
Amar Ujala, founded in 1994, is a leading Hindi newspaper with a strong presence in northern India. It is known for its detailed local news coverage and timely updates on national and international events. Published by Amar Ujala Publications Ltd., it has editions in multiple states and caters to a wide audience with a focus on current affairs, politics, and entertainment.
Table:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | 1994 |
| Language | Hindi |
| Publisher | Amar Ujala Publications Ltd. |
| Major States | Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana |
| Coverage | Local News, Politics, Entertainment, Current Affairs |
| Circulation | Approx. 1.2 million copies daily (varies) |
Amar Ujala is another leading Hindi newspaper with a strong presence in northern India. Known for its detailed local news coverage and timely updates, it caters to a diverse audience and has consistently maintained high circulation numbers.
9. Daily Thanthi
Daily Thanthi, also known as Dina Thanthi, is a major Tamil newspaper established in 1942. It is widely circulated in Tamil Nadu and is known for its extensive coverage of local news, politics, and cultural events. The newspaper is published by Daily Thanthi Group and serves the Tamil-speaking population with both print and digital editions.
Table:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | 1942 |
| Language | Tamil |
| Publisher | Daily Thanthi Group |
| Major States | Tamil Nadu |
| Coverage | Local News, Politics, Culture, Entertainment |
| Circulation | Approx. 1 million copies daily (varies) |
Daily Thanthi, also known as Dina Thanthi, is a prominent Tamil newspaper with a significant circulation in Tamil Nadu. Established in 1942, it provides comprehensive news coverage in Tamil, ranging from local updates to international affairs.
10. Deccan Chronicle
Deccan Chronicle, founded in 1938, is a leading English newspaper in South India. It has a significant presence in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The newspaper covers a wide range of topics including local news, politics, sports, and entertainment. Published by Deccan Chronicle Holdings Ltd., it is well-regarded for its comprehensive local reporting and features.
Table:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | 1938 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Deccan Chronicle Holdings Ltd. |
| Major States | Andhra Pradesh, Telangana |
| Coverage | Local News, Politics, Sports, Entertainment |
| Circulation | Approx. 500,000 copies daily (varies) |
The Deccan Chronicle is a major English newspaper in South India, particularly in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Founded in 1938, it offers a mix of local and national news, making it a popular choice for English-speaking readers in the region.
FAQs about Top 10 Newspaper Circulations in India
1. What criteria are used to rank newspapers by circulation in India?
Answer: Newspapers are ranked by circulation based on the number of copies sold or distributed daily. This includes both paid and free copies. The data is often collected from audits conducted by organizations such as the Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) or similar bodies.
2. Why are English newspapers generally listed among the top circulations in India?
Answer: English newspapers often have a broader reach due to their appeal to a more diverse audience, including professionals and businesspeople. They are also widely circulated in urban areas and major cities where English is commonly used.
3. How does regional language affect newspaper circulation in India?
Answer: Regional language newspapers tend to have high circulation in specific linguistic and cultural regions. They cater to local news, culture, and issues that are particularly relevant to their audience, which contributes to their high circulation figures in those areas.
4. Are digital versions of newspapers included in circulation numbers?
Answer: Typically, circulation numbers refer to the print copies of newspapers. However, digital versions and their reach can also be significant and are sometimes reported separately or in conjunction with print circulation by some newspapers.
5. Which newspaper has the highest circulation in India?
Answer: As of recent reports, Dainik Jagran is the largest circulated Hindi newspaper in India. It leads in circulation among Indian newspapers, reflecting its wide reach in the Hindi-speaking regions of the country.
6. Do circulation numbers reflect the actual readership of newspapers?
Answer: Circulation numbers indicate the number of copies distributed, which can provide an estimate of potential readership. However, the actual number of readers might be higher, as multiple people may read a single copy of a newspaper.
7. How often are newspaper circulation figures updated?
Answer: Circulation figures are typically updated on an annual basis, though some organizations might provide quarterly updates. The frequency of updates can depend on the reporting practices of the auditing organizations and the newspapers themselves.
8. What impact do high circulation numbers have on a newspaper?
Answer: High circulation numbers can enhance a newspaper’s market influence, attract more advertisers, and increase its revenue. It also reflects the newspaper’s popularity and its ability to engage a large audience.
9. Are there any notable trends in newspaper circulation in India?
Answer: There has been a shift towards digital media, with many newspapers increasing their online presence. However, print newspapers remain significant, especially in regional and local markets. Newspapers are also adapting by offering digital subscriptions and multimedia content.
10. How can readers find more information about newspaper circulation?
Answer: Readers can find more information about newspaper circulation through audits by organizations such as the Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC), industry reports, and statistics provided by the newspapers themselves. Media research agencies and industry publications may also offer detailed insights.
Conclusion
These top 10 newspapers represent the diversity and reach of the Indian print media landscape. Each publication serves a unique segment of the population, contributing to a rich tapestry of news and information across the country. Despite the digital age, these newspapers continue to be an essential source of news for millions of readers in India.
