Indian Newspaper Profits Hinge on Newsprint Cost Relief, But Productivity Gains Must Follow

Industry news

Shared with SuperPrinters · 9/2/2026 · Source: indianprinterpublisher.com

A nine-year review of 47 Indian newspaper groups reveals that falling raw material costs—particularly newsprint—have been the primary driver of profit improvement, with material expenses dropping from 34% to 26.5% of operating revenue between FY23 and FY25. Employee costs, however, are moving in the opposite direction, rising to 23% of revenue as headcount reductions hit their limits. Analysts warn that publishers should not treat lower newsprint prices as a permanent windfall, but instead invest in measurable productivity improvements across press operations, editorial workflows, and maintenance to sustain margins when material costs inevitably rise again.

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