The All India Newspaper Editors’ Conference (AINEC) in a recent meeting raised fresh concerns over government advertising policies, arguing that the current system disproportionately favors large publications while placing small and medium newspapers under severe financial strain. Participants also voiced concern over the surge in attacks on journalists and alleged restrictions on free speech.
Meeting in New Delhi for its annual general session, the organization said the ad distribution practices followed by the center, state governments, and the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC) are “lopsided,” leaving smaller publishers struggling to sustain operations and continue serving local communities.
In a statement issued after the meeting, AINEC urged the Ministry of information and broadcasting to review and reform the existing framework to ensure a more balanced and equitable allocation of government advertisements. Editors emphasized that without such changes, many smaller newspapers could face long-term viability challenges, media reports stated.
Participants from across the country discussed issues related to press freedom, journalist safety, and the unique challenges confronting regional and smaller publications.
AINEC members unanimously adopted a resolution calling on both central and state governments to provide stronger protection and institutional support to journalists. They stressed that media professionals must be able to carry out their duties without fear, intimidation, or interference, underlining the essential role of a free and independent press in a democratic society.
“The members expressed deep concern over increasing attacks on journalists, restrictions on freedom of expression, and the mounting economic pressures confronting media organisations,” they said in the statement.
