Demand for Fair Share of Government Advertisements for Small and Medium Newspapers
New Delhi, June 4: The Accredited Journalists Association has urged the Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting to ensure a fair and equitable share of government advertisements for small and medium newspapers. The Association stated that small and medium publications play a crucial role in disseminating government policies, welfare schemes, and public awareness campaigns at the grassroots level and therefore deserve adequate representation in advertisement allocation.
The Association has appealed to Union Information & Broadcasting Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw and the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC) to adopt a transparent and balanced advertisement distribution policy and ensure a reasonable share of the government advertising budget for small and medium newspapers.
Vijay Shanker Chaturvedi, President of the Accredited Journalists Association and Editor of Rashtra Times, said, “Small and medium newspapers are the backbone of grassroots journalism. They effectively highlight local issues, promote public awareness, and carry government initiatives to the remotest sections of society. It is therefore essential that these publications receive fair and non-discriminatory treatment in the allocation of government advertisements.”
He further stated that rising printing costs, distribution expenses, and other operational challenges have put significant financial pressure on small and medium newspapers. A more balanced and transparent distribution of government advertisements would not only strengthen these publications but also promote media diversity and democratic values.
Mr. Chaturvedi urged Union Information & Broadcasting Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw to take positive steps to protect the interests of small and medium newspapers and to ensure transparency, fairness, and equal opportunity in the government advertisement allocation system.
