Over 1.55 Lakh Publications, 908 TV Channels Reflect Expanding Press Landscape
VINOD BHAT
NEW DELHI, July 23: India’s media landscape continues to flourish with remarkable growth in both print and broadcast sectors over the past decade, according to details shared by the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in the Lok Sabha today.
Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Dr. L. Murugan, informed the House that the total number of publications registered with the Press Registrar General of India has surged from 1.05 lakh in 2014-15 to 1.55 lakh in 2024-25, showcasing the enduring vibrancy and dynamism of India’s print media ecosystem.
In the broadcast domain, private satellite TV channels have risen from 821 in 2014-15 to 908 by 2024-25, reflecting the continuous expansion of audio-visual media platforms catering to India’s vast and diverse audience.
The government also highlighted the growing reach of Doordarshan’s Free-to-Air service, DD Free Dish, which now offers 92 private channels and 50 Doordarshan channels, broadcasting in multiple regional languages. This multilingual content distribution is playing a vital role in enhancing regional content visibility and providing affordable access to information and entertainment across the country.
To strengthen public broadcasting infrastructure further, the government is actively implementing the Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND) Scheme 2021–26. As part of this initiative, three new transmitters have been sanctioned for Himachal Pradesh — a 5kW transmitter in Mandi and two 1kW FM transmitters in Chamba and Dharampur respectively. These developments aim to improve broadcast coverage, especially in hilly and remote areas.
Minister Murugan reiterated the government’s commitment to building a strong, inclusive, and accessible media network through sustained infrastructural investments and digital innovation. The expansion of Prasar Bharati’s outreach underlines the Centre’s strategic focus on media penetration in regional and rural India.
The continued growth of India’s media sector—both private and public—reinforces its role as the world’s largest democracy with a robust, multilingual, and pluralistic information ecosystem.
