South India has always been the backbone of India’s print media ecosystem. Even in an era dominated by smartphones and digital news apps, regional newspapers in South India continue to command massive daily circulation, deep reader trust, and unmatched local influence.
As we step into 2026, advertisers, marketers, and businesses are once again asking an important question:
Which are the top circulated newspapers in South India, and where should brands invest their print advertising budgets?
This blog answers that question with a language-wise, state-wise, and advertiser-focused breakdown of the highest circulated newspapers in South India in 2026, along with insights on why circulation still matters and how brands can leverage it effectively.
Why High Circulation Matters for Newspaper Advertising
Even in 2026, circulation equals visibility. Here’s why advertisers still rely on high-circulation newspapers:
- Wider reach across cities and towns
- High trust and credibility
- Better recall compared to digital ads
- Strong local and regional targeting
- Cost-effective for mass awareness campaigns
Print advertising in South India often delivers higher engagement per rupee spent, especially for local and regional brands.
Key Takeaways
- Tailored for South India: The leading newspapers in South India, like The Hindu and Deccan Chronicle, speak directly to the heart of the region, offering content in beloved languages such as Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam.
- Widespread Reach: These newspapers have massive readerships, reaching homes and communities across the region, making them household names.
- Local Connection: With a strong focus on local news, these papers keep readers closely connected to what’s happening in their cities and states, ensuring they never miss a beat.
- Broad Coverage: Beyond regional stories, they also provide comprehensive national and international news, so readers get a complete picture of what’s going on in the world.
- Cultural Significance: These newspapers are more than just news they’re a daily dose of culture, tradition, and language that resonate with the people of South India.
- Great for Advertisers: If you’re looking to reach a diverse and engaged audience, advertising in these newspapers is a smart choice, thanks to their extensive circulation and deep community ties.
How Newspaper Circulation Is Measured in India
Before looking at the top circulated newspapers, it’s important to understand how circulation data is calculated.
Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC)
ABC audits and certifies paid circulation figures submitted by newspapers. These reports are widely used by advertisers and media planners.
Registrar of Newspapers for India (RNI)
RNI provides registration and ownership data and acts as a secondary reference point for circulation insights.
Circulation vs Readership
- Circulation = number of copies distributed
- Readership = number of people who read those copies
For advertisers, high circulation generally indicates wider reach, especially in regional markets.
10 Top Circulated Newspapers in South India
Local newspapers are the heartbeat of a community. They bring people together by sharing stories that matter most to their daily lives whether it’s a local event, a small business opening, or updates on community issues. Unlike national media, local papers keep the focus on what’s happening right around the corner, giving a voice to the people who live there. They’re essential in keeping us informed, fostering a sense of connection, and ensuring that local voices and concerns are heard. In a world where we’re often bombarded with global news, local newspapers remind us of the importance of staying grounded in our own communities.
List of Top Circulated Newspapers in South India 2025
The Hindu
Founded in 1878, The Hindu is one of India’s oldest and most respected English newspapers. Headquartered in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, it boasts a readership of approximately 5.3 million. Known for its serious journalism and in-depth analysis, The Hindu has been a trusted source of news for over a century. It provides balanced reporting on national and international events, making it a go-to daily for those who appreciate well-researched and thoughtful journalism.
Deccan Chronicle
Deccan Chronicle, founded in 1938, is a popular English daily with a strong presence in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. With a readership of around 1.2 million, it offers a vibrant mix of news, covering everything from politics to entertainment. Headquartered in Hyderabad, Deccan Chronicle is known for its engaging content that appeals to a diverse audience across South India.
Malayala Manorama
Malayala Manorama, launched in 1888, is one of the largest circulating newspapers in India, with a readership of over 9.8 million. Published in Malayalam, it is a household name in Kerala. Headquartered in Kottayam, Malayala Manorama provides extensive coverage of regional news, cultural events, and family-oriented stories, making it deeply connected to the people of Kerala.
Eenadu
Eenadu, founded in 1974, is the leading Telugu daily in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, with a readership exceeding 1.8 million. Headquartered in Hyderabad, Eenadu covers a wide range of topics, from political developments to local events, ensuring that it remains an essential read for Telugu-speaking audiences.
Dinamalar
Established in 1951, Dinamalar is a prominent Tamil newspaper with a strong foothold in Tamil Nadu. It has a readership of around 1.5 million and is headquartered in Chennai. Known for its balanced reporting, Dinamalar covers everything from politics to cinema, providing a well-rounded view of the day’s news in Tamil.
Vijay Karnataka
Vijay Karnataka, founded in 1999, is one of the most popular Kannada newspapers in Karnataka, with a readership of about 2.3 million. Headquartered in Bangalore, it provides comprehensive coverage of regional news, politics, and entertainment, making it a staple for Kannada-speaking readers.
Andhra Jyothi
Andhra Jyothi, launched in 1960, is a significant Telugu daily with a readership of around 1.6 million. Headquartered in Hyderabad, it is well-regarded for its robust political coverage and in-depth regional news, catering to the interests of readers in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Udayavani
Founded in 1970, Udayavani is a widely read Kannada newspaper with a readership of approximately 1.2 million. Headquartered in Manipal, Karnataka, it offers extensive coverage of local and national news, with a strong focus on the state’s issues, connecting deeply with the people of Karnataka.
Mathrubhumi
Mathrubhumi, established in 1923, is one of Kerala’s most prominent Malayalam newspapers, with a readership of over 6.5 million. Headquartered in Kozhikode, it is known for its strong editorial stance and in-depth reporting on politics, culture, and social issues, resonating with readers across Kerala.
Dina Thanthi
Dina Thanthi, founded in 1942, is one of the most widely circulated Tamil newspapers in Tamil Nadu, with a readership of about 8 million. Headquartered in Chennai, it is known for its straightforward and accessible reporting, making it a daily essential for many Tamil households across the state.
Why High Circulation Matters for Newspaper Advertising
Even in 2026, circulation equals visibility. Here’s why advertisers still rely on high-circulation newspapers:
- Wider reach across cities and towns
- High trust and credibility
- Better recall compared to digital ads
- Strong local and regional targeting
- Cost-effective for mass awareness campaigns
Print advertising in South India often delivers higher engagement per rupee spent, especially for local and regional brands.
How to Choose the Right Newspaper for Your Brand
When selecting a newspaper, consider:
- Target audience language
- Geographic coverage
- Campaign objective
- Budget and frequency
A mix of high-circulation regional dailies + selective English newspapers often delivers the best results.
How The Media Ant Helps You Advertise in Top South Indian Newspapers
At The Media Ant, we simplify newspaper advertising by offering:
- Access to top circulated newspapers across South India
- Transparent and competitive pricing
- City-wise and state-wise planning support
- End-to-end execution from planning to publishing
- Expert guidance to maximize ROI
Whether you’re a local business or a national brand, The Media Ant helps you choose the right newspaper, right edition, and right strategy.
In 2026, South India continues to play a decisive role in India’s print media landscape, with several publications featured in this guide ranking among the top 10 newspapers in India. The strong performance of regional newspapers in India, particularly in southern states, highlights the enduring trust, reach, and relevance of language-based publications. This curated South Indian newspaper list clearly shows why regional dailies consistently outperform national papers when it comes to local engagement and readership loyalty.
For advertisers and brands, choosing the right regional newspaper is key to achieving meaningful visibility and regional impact. Despite the rise of digital media, regional newspapers in South India remain one of the most effective channels for mass reach, credibility, and targeted advertising. With the right media planning and expert support, newspaper advertising in South India can still deliver strong ROI and long-term brand value.
