Press Club Jammu Backs Fair DAVP Rates for Newspapers
The Press Club of Jammu has extended its unwavering support for the demand to implement fair DAVP (Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity) rates for advertisements in newspapers, particularly emphasizing the plight of regional publications. In a recent meeting attended by prominent media professionals, the club underscored the critical role fair advertisement rates play in sustaining small and medium-sized newspapers that often grapple with financial hardships.
Expressing concern over the disparity in DAVP rates, members highlighted how smaller publications are unable to compete with larger national dailies due to inadequate government support. They argued that fair rates would not only ensure a level playing field but also enhance the quality of regional journalism.
The Press Club emphasized that regional newspapers serve as the backbone of democracy in smaller towns and rural areas, giving a voice to the marginalized and raising local issues. Unfair advertising rates, however, threaten their existence, leading to a monopolization of news by corporate-owned media houses.
In a strongly worded resolution, the club appealed to the government to revise the DAVP policy immediately and introduce a transparent mechanism for disbursing advertisements to ensure equitable distribution across all publications.
The move has been welcomed by various regional media houses, who believe that fair DAVP rates will alleviate their financial struggles and help maintain journalistic integrity. As voices grow stronger, the question remains: will the government listen?
With regional journalism at stake, this is not merely a demand for fair rates but a fight to preserve the diversity of India's media landscape.
