News publishers got prompted to rush to the government seeking a waiver of 5% import duty to cut the cost of paper used in publishing newspapers and magazines, which rose by 20% past three months due to the demand-supply imbalance following the COVID-19 pandemic.

L Adimoolam, President, Indian Newspaper Society (INS), spoke about many newspapers stopping hard copies dispatch to rural areas with a readership of fewer than 50 copies for a reduced distribution cost. Also, INS has suggested cutting down customs on the import of newsprints. In a representation to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The INS representation spoke about the DAVP (Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity) to consider releasing advertisements for all its departments to all publications with an increased tariff of 50%. Given, if working out a stimulus package for print media becomes difficult.  It also sought an extension of the validity of RNI (Registrar of Newspapers for India) Circulation Certificates up to March 31, 2022, which will enable DAVP rates to remain the same till next year.

The industry got hit hard when readers stopped buying newspapers and magazines on fears of virus transmission. Now it is facing the rising cost of newsprint created due to a drastic fall in supplies after 3 million tonnes of manufacturing capacities were either closed or converted to brown paper grades worldwide giving a second blow and threatening the survival of the industry. According to the estimates the print media would take two-three years to recover from the current situation.