Imphal based newspaper prices hiked
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 31 2022:
Newspaper prices have been hiked with effect from February 1 with those having 12 pages now priced at Rs 6 .
A resolution to this effect was adopted at a joint meeting of Publishers, Editors and representatives of journalist unions including Manipur Hill Journalists' Union (MHJU) .
The meeting was jointly presided by AMWJU president W Shamjai and Editors Guild Manipur president Kh Khogendra.
According to the new pricing, newspapers having eight pages have been priced at Rs 5 while those with four pages would now cost Rs 2 .
A joint press release issued by EGM, AMWJU and MHJU pointed out that newspaper prices in Manipur have not been changed since 2014 despite increase in prices of paper, ink and transportation.
According to publishers, the cost of production is Rs 7 to 7.50 for a newspaper having 12 pages while it is sold at just Rs 4.50 .
After deducting 33.3 per cent commission for distribution, publishers are left with just Rs 3 per paper.
With advertisement revenue shrinking and cost of production increasing due to several factors, it has become almost impossible to keep the papers running.
Maintaining that publishers, are therefore, constrained to increase the cover price, the joint press release appealed to all subscribers to bear with the price hike.
The new prices would remain in effect till January 31, 2023 .