India: newspapers still strive

Posted by Jean Yves Chainon on May 21, 2007 at 11:30 AM

The LA Times brings more news about the spectacular growth of the Indian newspaper market. Between 2005 and 2006, nearly 2,100 newspapers were launched in India, joining the ranks of the 60,000 already circulating.

India has the world’s second largest newspaper market, after China, with 78.7 million copies sold daily.

As the Indian middle class expands and the illiteracy rate gradually drops (still at an estimated 35% though), the newspaper market is quickly ripening. Print newspapers are also taking advantage of the relatively low Internet penetration.

Newspapers are also considered as signs of upward mobility, giving them cultural luster.

"Most households look at it as a sign of their economic and educational progress, especially when it's the first or second generation that's gone to college or moved to the city," said Raju Narisetti, Mint's managing editor. "One of the first things they do is subscribe to a paper."

India still has an estimated 350 million people who can read and write but don’t buy newspapers. And while publishers rejoice over circulation numbers, many editors are seeking more qualified and experienced journalists.

Source LA Times through Poynter Institute