Kiran Gitte: Revised Advertisement Policy 2026 to Address Changing Needs of Media Sector and Strengthen Professional Standards

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, October 10, 2026

Information and Cultural Affairs (ICA) Department Secretary Kiran Gitte said the Tripura Government’s amendments to the state’s advertisement policy were aimed at addressing the changing needs of the media sector while strengthening professional standards and improving the framework for government advertisement distribution.

Addressing a press conference yesterday in Agartala, Gitte said the revised policy had been formulated after considering recommendations from the media advisory mechanism and suggestions concerning the functioning and development of the media sector.

He explained that the amendments introduced a revised classification system for print newspapers, television channels and digital news portals, replacing the earlier A1, A, B and C categories with Large, Medium and Small classifications. The new framework seeks to take into account factors such as circulation, audience reach, operational history, staffing and other prescribed eligibility criteria.

Gitte said the changes were intended to make the classification process more systematic and responsive to the evolving media landscape, particularly with the growing role of digital news platforms alongside traditional print and electronic media.

The ICA Secretary also highlighted the importance of professional standards, transparency and the welfare of journalists. He referred to existing government initiatives relating to media accreditation, journalists’ pension benefits and professional training, while also mentioning plans concerning press jackets and press stickers for journalists.

The revised policy has been published in the official Gazette and made available through the ICA Department’s website. It is expected to provide the framework for the categorisation of eligible media organisations and the distribution of government advertisements under the amended provisions.

Electronic media (TV channels): Large requires 4 years of operation, coverage across all districts, one designated chief, 3 video editors, 9 reporters and 8 daily live news programmes or programmes. Medium requires 2 years, coverage in 5 districts, one chief, 2 video editors, 6 reporters and 5 daily programmes. Small requires 1 year, coverage in 2 districts, one chief, one video editor, 4 reporters and 3 daily programmes. Coverage must be supported by an MSO certificate corroborated by the District Administration.

Web media (news websites): Large requires 4 years of operation, average visitors of 20,000, one designated editor, 3 reporters and 2 technical staff, with daily updates comprising 9 local, 4 national and 2 international items. Medium requires 2 years, 15,000 average visitors, one editor, 2 reporters and one technical staff member, with 7 local, 2 national and one international update. Small requires 1 year, 10,000 average visitors, one editor, one reporter and one technical staff member, with 5 local, one national and one international update.

ABC Certificate and Google Analytics Report: Under the amended Tripura Advertisement Policy, 2026, preference within the Large category will be given to newspapers with the highest circulation in the preceding financial year, supported by an Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) certificate or a similar recognised verification. Similarly, news websites with the highest coverage in the preceding financial year will receive preference, subject to verification through a Google Analytics report or a similar recognised third-party agency report. These documents must meet the requirements specified by the Information and Cultural Affairs Department.

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