Credibility, Consistency And Connection With Readers Sustain Print Today

Despite growing digital consumption, print newspapers in India are holding steady. In Maharashtra, Sakal has emerged as the state’s highest circulated newspaper and ranks among the top 10 most-read dailies in India, reflecting a mix of urban readership growth, community engagement, and consistent reporting that resonates across generations. Uday Jadhav, CEO of Sakal Media Group and Director of AP Globale, expressed confidence in the recent ABC numbers, describing them as a strong validation of print media’s enduring relevance.

He said, “We are very encouraged by the recent ABC numbers. The national print circulation has shown a healthy growth of 2.77 percent in the January–June 2025 period, a clear indication that print continues to hold its ground despite the rise of digital platforms.” Print sales increased from 2,89,41,876 copies in H2 2024 to 2,97,44,148 in H1 2025, representing nearly 30 million daily readers across India.

For Daily Sakal, the grand total circulation for January–June 2025 stands at 11,42,574 copies, with Pune and Kolhapur print centres contributing significantly at 5.3 lakh and 1.97 lakh copies, respectively. According to Jadhav, these figures underscore that print remains the most credible and trusted source of information. He noted, “This achievement is a proud moment for us and reinforces our belief that credibility, consistency, and connection with readers are what truly sustain print in today’s world.” He added that in Maharashtra, Sakal’s legacy and credibility continue to resonate strongly with readers.

The latest ABC certification has positioned Sakal as the highest circulated newspaper in the state and among India’s top 10 most-read dailies. Jadhav highlighted several market and operational factors behind this growth. He said, “The recent Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections in Maharashtra played a significant role, especially since the Honourable Prime Minister chose Sakal as the first regional newspaper for his exclusive interview. The interview with our Managing Director Abhijit Pawar, received tremendous response from readers. Throughout the election season, Sakal stood out for balanced and insightful coverage, further strengthening reader trust.”

Beyond politics, Jadhav pointed to initiatives aimed at younger audiences. He said, “Our engagement with younger audiences through initiatives like Newspaper in Education, now reaching over 2,00,000 students across schools, has helped us connect with new households and eventually convert them into subscribers.” Other community-driven events such as Chitrakala Spardha, Schoolympics, Petopia, Marathon, Swasthyam, and entertainment programs have deepened engagement across generations. He emphasized that these initiatives transform Sakal from a newspaper into a brand that actively connects with diverse audiences.

On urban migration in Maharashtra, Jadhav observed an intense flow of skilled youth to cities like Pune, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Kolhapur, Nashik, and Nagpur. He said, “As these young professionals and families settle in urban areas, their exposure to multiple media platforms increases, but their need for credible, local, and community-focused news often brings them to Sakal.” Circulation teams engage these readers through community networks such as YIN and Tanishka, converting them into long-term subscribers. Jadhav also spoke about the impact of circulation growth on advertisers. He said, “With Sakal now certified by ABC as the No. 1 publication in Maharashtra, the benefits naturally extend to our advertisers as well. I’ve always believed that the true measure of a publication lies in its ability to generate real, measurable responses for clients.” He highlighted that the readership is predominantly NCCS A+, a segment with high purchasing power and trust, making Sakal an effective platform for both premium and mass brands. Long-standing partnerships with Apple, Emirates, BMW, and RADO exemplify this. Hyperlocal editions and targeted splits in cities like Pune allow advertisers to reach precise audiences at affordable rates. Looking ahead, Jadhav stressed the importance of empowering internal teams to drive growth.

He said, “To keep our clients happy, we must first ensure that our internal teams are motivated and empowered. At Sakal, we are investing heavily in people, through structured training programs, upskilling initiatives, and leadership development. When our teams grow, our product improves and when the product strengthens, marketing, circulation, revenues naturally follow. Additional revenue will enable us to build a stronger team. It is a winning cycle.” The goal, he added, is to create an innovative, aggressive, and ethically led Sakal that continues to set standards in credibility and values.