Top 10 Newspapers in India: A Comprehensive Guide
Newspapers, the longstanding pillars of information dissemination, play a pivotal role in keeping individuals abreast of current events both within the nation and across the globe. The newspaper, a tool for opinion formation and a vital medium for democratic oversight has been an integral part of everyday life since the inception of The Bengal Gazette by James Augustus Hickey in 1780 during British rule in India.
- The Times of India: Established in 1838 as The Bombay Times and Journal of Commerce, The Times of India (ToI) has evolved into the world’s most popular English-language newspaper. Owned by the Sahu Jain family, ToI boasts the highest circulation across all mediums globally. Its comprehensive coverage spans broadsheet, tabloid, compact, Berliner, and online formats.
- Hindustan Times: Founded in 1924 and inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi, Hindustan Times is a nationalist and pro-Congress daily. Owned by Shobhana Bhartia, it played a crucial role in India’s independence movement. With a circulation of over 1.14 million in 2008, it stands as the third-largest daily English newspaper in India.
- The Hindu: Commencing in 1878 as a weekly publication, The Hindu transitioned to a daily newspaper within 11 years. With a circulation of 1.46 million copies, it ranks third among English newspapers in India, catering primarily to Southern India, especially Tamil Nadu.
- The Telegraph: Founded in 1982 and headquartered in Kolkata, The Telegraph is the fastest-growing newspaper in Eastern India. Covering topics from sports to business, it is owned by Ananda Bazar Patrika Limited and has editions in Guwahati, Siliguri, Jamshedpur, and Ranchi.
- Deccan Chronicle: Published by Deccan Chronicle Holdings Limited in Hyderabad, the Deccan Chronicle is an English-language daily with supplements such as “TV Guide,” “Sunday Chronicle,” “Chennai Chronicle,” and “Bengaluru Chronicle.” Originating in 1938 as a partnership business, it expanded to include the International Herald Tribune in 2004.
- Mumbai Mirror: Launched in 2005 by The Times Group, Mumbai Mirror is the largest compact newspaper in Mumbai. With a daily circulation of 700,000 copies, it covers news and events in the city and has sister editions in Pune, Ahmedabad, and Bangalore.
- The Economic Times: Published by Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd., The Economic Times, started in 1961, is India’s most popular financial daily. Recognizable by its salmon-pink paper, it reaches over 800,000 readers and covers topics such as the Indian economy, global finance, stock prices, and commodity prices.
- DNA (Daily News and Analysis): Launched in July 2005, DNA is an English tabloid published in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Pune, Jaipur, Indore, and Bangalore. Owned by Diligent Media Corporation, a joint venture between Dainik Bhaskar and Essel Group, DNA targets a young readership.
- The Tribune: Founded in 1881 in Lahore, The Tribune is an Indian English-language daily newspaper published from Chandigarh, New Delhi, Jalandhar, Dehradun, and Bathinda. With a worldwide circulation, it also has sister publications in Hindi (Dainik Tribune) and Punjabi.
- The New Indian Express: Originally founded in 1932 as the Indian Express, The New Indian Express is an English-language broadsheet published by Express Publications. With a presence in major cities across Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Orissa, and more, it maintains a vast readership.
