Shaping the Policy: Recommendations and implication for small Hindi newspapers in India

This study explores the problems, potentials, and policy implications for small Hindi newspapers in India, which play a vital role in strengthening democratic communication and local accountability. Small newspapers, defined by the Registrar of Newspapers for India (RNI) as publications with a daily circulation of up to 25,000 copies, are often the first to expose scams, highlight rural issues, and report stories overlooked by the mainstream press. Despite their importance in bridging the information gap between citizens and the government, small newspapers face challenges such as lack of financial resources, dependence on advertisements, unequal competition with large chains, and inadequate institutional support. Through sampling, the study conducted in-depth interviews with editors and owners of 38 small Hindi newspapers across 16 states and 3 union territories. Findings reveal systemic issues: biased advertisement distribution by the Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity (DAVP), outdated RNI categorization, high newsprint costs, and limited representation in policymaking bodies like the Press Council of India. Small newspapers also struggle to retain professional staff and modernize their operations due to technological and financial constraints. The research proposes comprehensive policy interventions. Key recommendations include establishing a Small Newspaper Development Corporation, subsidizing newsprint, ensuring equitable advertisement distribution, and restructuring the RNI classification to prevent large chains from exploiting benefits meant for smaller publications. Further, integrating journalism students through internships with small newspapers can enhance professionalization at the grassroots level. The study also suggests treating small newspapers as a cottage industry to facilitate financial assistance from banks and public-private partnerships. The implications of these measures underscore the urgent need for government and institutional support to sustain small Hindi newspapers. Empowering them with resources, recognition, and fair policies will not only preserve media plurality but also strengthen India’s democracy by amplifying marginalized voices at the local level.