Govt ad spends on the decline across media during pandemic times

While overall, ad spends are showing recovery in H1 2021, after facing severe disruptions and cutbacks in 2020 due to the global pandemic, Government spending on advertising in print, electronic and digital media has been on a decline. This is not just a COVID-19 related move, but as per reports, Government has been cutting down its ad spends over the last 3-4 years.

New I&B Minister Anurag Thakur informed the Rajya Sabha yesterday (July 26, 2021) that Government ad spends saw the steepest decline during the pandemic period – Rs 197.49 crore for the print medium and Rs 167.98 crore for TV. This was despite the state Assembly elections held during this period, especially in the first part of 2021.

The I&B Minister further informed that the Government’s ad spends in print, TV and Digital during FY2017-18 and FY2019-20 stood at Rs 1,196.89 crore, which is exclusive of other mediums such as outdoor, pamphlets, etc.