Last year, my classmate from Hong Kong called me, saying, 'Kiran, I need Punjab Kesari.' I explained that sending it daily would be costly and suggested reading the e-paper instead. He replied that the pleasure of reading a physical newspaper isn't matched by e-papers or social media. Similarly, an acquaintance from London asked if they could receive a daily newspaper. This is because social media often presents bizarre news, making it hard to discern its truthfulness. I realized that people everywhere still appreciate reading newspapers. A woman, influenced by social media, ended up in the ICU after following incorrect health advice. There are numerous such incidents being exploited by social media.
In 2025, the Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) published verified circulation numbers for the January-June audit period. The ABC Secretary General noted a substantial rise in daily circulation, reflecting robust growth in the print media sector. Newspaper circulation is on the rise as people increasingly turn to newspapers for trustworthy news amidst the prevalence of fake news on social media. Newspapers provide comprehensive information and analysis, not just headlines. They cover political, social, and religious news, as well as local and city news that isn't available online. Additionally, reading newspapers enhances vocabulary. They offer information on employment, advertisements, jobs, and government schemes, providing accurate and up-to-date information. This practice also boosts critical thinking and comprehension skills.
It's undeniable that the world today is evolving at an unprecedented rate. Since computers became prevalent globally, their influence is evident in every industrial sector. Many assert that this is the computer age, and similar sentiments are expressed about social media, YouTube, mobile phones, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, all of which have emerged from this technological revolution. Regarding the newspaper industry, I believe that even in this digital era, if public confidence in print media is on the rise and newspaper circulation has increased by over 800,000, we can confidently state that trust in print media is steadily growing. Indeed, the swift expansion of social media and the subsequent spread of information on countless topics, whether accurate or not, has been truly remarkable. From this standpoint, it is reassuring that public trust in the media remains strong.
The Audit Bureau of Circulation has published a report detailing the sales of daily newspapers nationwide from January to June 2025. This report indicates that the average daily newspaper sales have climbed to 29,744,148 copies, up from 2,894,876 in December 2024. This represents a 3 percent increase, equating to an additional 802,272 copies. It is my belief that the trust, affection, and respect people have for newspapers are invaluable assets. Even today, newspapers ensure that facts are thoroughly investigated before publishing news. The data from the Audit Bureau of Circulation reveals even more insights. According to ABC, people in India find newspapers more trustworthy, asserting that print media offers comprehensive content. This depth of content is bolstering the influence of print media. Overall, newspapers remain a dependable source of information in India. Reports suggest that newspapers continue to be a robust platform for advertisers, contributing to the growth in newspaper circulation. Regardless of the events, whether they involve exposes, scams, the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi, or the death of a political leader, people turn to the next day's newspaper for more content and details. A young woman pursuing a PhD in newspapers has noted in her report that people do not want repetitive news, as is often the case with social media. People even save newspaper clippings for further information on various topics. This behavior underscores the trust and confidence people have in print media. The reality is that journalists working for newspapers are also deeply committed to their work. As a team, this dedication is why newspapers are the preferred choice for many each morning.
I want to emphasize that journalism on social media should not focus solely on making information, incidents, or events go viral. For instance, recent accidents in Uttarakhand, Kashmir, Himachal, Punjab, and Haryana were reported on social media, often using outdated photos or videos without proper fact-checking. Fact-checking is crucial for uncovering the truth. While social media has a wide reach, its credibility would improve if contributors adhered to factual content and avoided altering information. Social media platforms must respect the nation's honor and dignity, as incorrect information that goes viral can have serious repercussions. Many individuals share content on social media that negatively impacts various aspects of life. Any complaints about misrepresentation or inaccurate content should be promptly addressed, and those responsible should face consequences. The actions of YouTubers in this context are well-known. If social media can progress and build its reputation on factual reporting, it will earn the same respect as newspapers, which have enhanced both their readership and credibility.