Bangalore, India’s tech capital and a thriving cosmopolitan hub, boasts a vibrant newspaper ecosystem that caters to its diverse, multilingual population. Whether you’re a business professional seeking market insights, a resident looking for local news coverage, or an advertiser planning a print media campaign, choosing the right newspaper is crucial. This comprehensive guide explores the top 10 newspapers in Bangalore, helping you make informed decisions for reading or advertising.
Why Bangalore’s Newspaper Market Matters?
With over 12 million residents and a literacy rate exceeding 88%, Bangalore represents one of India’s most lucrative newspaper markets. The city’s unique demographic mix—combining IT professionals, entrepreneurs, students, and traditional households—creates demand for both English and regional language publications. Print media continues to command significant trust and readership despite digital transformation, making newspapers essential for credible news consumption and effective advertising reach.
The Top English Newspapers in Bangalore
1. The Times of India (TOI) – Leading English Daily
The Times of India dominates Bangalore’s English newspaper landscape with the highest circulation numbers and extensive metro coverage. Launched in Bangalore in 1998, TOI has become the go-to morning daily for professionals and families alike.
Circulation & Readership: Over 4.5 lakh daily copies in Bangalore, reaching approximately 15-20 lakh readers
Key Strengths:
- Comprehensive local news coverage with dedicated Bangalore Times supplement
- Strong entertainment and lifestyle sections
- Extensive classified advertising sections
- Digital integration with Times of India website and app
Advertising Value: Premium rates justified by massive reach; ideal for brands targeting upper-middle-class urban consumers, property developers, automobile companies, and educational institutions.
2. The Hindu – Most Trusted Newspaper in Bangalore
Known for its editorial integrity and in-depth journalism, The Hindu enjoys unmatched credibility among Bangalore’s educated elite, policymakers, and decision-makers.
Circulation & Readership: Approximately 2.5 lakh daily copies with a highly engaged reader base
Key Strengths:
- Authoritative political and economic analysis
- Excellent sports coverage
- Metro Plus supplement focusing on Bangalore culture and arts
- Strong opinion and editorial pages
Advertising Value: Higher engagement rates despite lower circulation; preferred by government advertisers, premium brands, and B2B companies targeting serious readers.
3. Deccan Herald – Bangalore’s Homegrown English Daily
Published by Printers (Mysore) Private Ltd., Deccan Herald has been serving Bangalore since 1948, offering unparalleled local news coverage and deep Karnataka connections.
Circulation & Readership: Around 1.5 lakh copies daily with strong Bangalore and Karnataka focus
Key Strengths:
- Exceptional Bangalore city news and civic issues coverage
- Strong Karnataka state news reporting
- Prajavani (Kannada) sister publication for integrated campaigns
- Sunday Herald for weekend readers
Advertising Value: Cost-effective option with loyal readership; excellent for local businesses, Bangalore-specific campaigns, and Karnataka state advertisers.
4. Vijaya Karnataka – Largest Selling Kannada Daily
Part of The Times Group, Vijaya Karnataka leads the Kannada newspaper market in Bangalore with massive circulation and readership across all demographics.
Circulation & Readership: Over 5 lakh daily copies in Bangalore alone, reaching Karnataka’s heartland
Key Strengths:
- Most extensive distribution network in Karnataka
- Strong local news and crime reporting
- Entertainment supplements popular with young readers
- Digital presence through Vijaya Karnataka website
Advertising Value: Best option for mass-market Kannada campaigns; ideal for FMCG brands, political advertising, cinema promotions, and businesses targeting Kannada-speaking consumers.
5. Prajavani – Trusted Kannada Newspaper
Prajavani, sister publication of Deccan Herald, combines journalistic credibility with strong regional presence, making it a favorite among educated Kannada readers.
Circulation & Readership: Approximately 2.5 lakh daily copies with high reader loyalty
Key Strengths:
- Credible news reporting and editorial standards
- Strong Bangalore metro section
- Good coverage of education and employment news
- Combo advertising packages with Deccan Herald
Advertising Value: Higher demographic quality with moderate rates; suitable for educational institutions, recruitment advertising, and brands seeking credible association.
6. Kannada Prabha – Growing Kannada Daily
Owned by the New Indian Express Group, Kannada Prabha has carved a niche with its bold journalism and reader-friendly approach.
Circulation & Readership: Around 1.8 lakh copies with growing digital readership
Key Strengths:
- Aggressive local news coverage
- Youth-oriented content and design
- Strong digital edition and e-paper
- Competitive advertising rates
Advertising Value: Emerging option for cost-conscious advertisers; good for retail businesses, local services, and brands testing Kannada market entry.
7. The Economic Times – Premier Business Daily
India’s largest business newspaper, The Economic Times, commands respect among Bangalore’s business community, startup ecosystem, and corporate professionals.
Circulation & Readership: Over 1.5 lakh copies in Bangalore reaching high-income professionals
Key Strengths:
- Comprehensive business and financial news
- Startup and technology sector coverage
- Personal finance and investment guidance
- Jobs and career supplements
Advertising Value: Premium pricing justified by affluent readership; perfect for B2B companies, financial services, luxury brands, premium real estate, and recruitment advertising for senior positions.
8. Business Standard – Quality Financial Journalism
Known for analytical depth and quality reporting, Business Standard attracts serious business readers and investors in Bangalore.
Circulation & Readership: Approximately 70,000 copies with highly qualified readership
Key Strengths:
- In-depth market analysis and commentary
- Policy and regulatory coverage
- Technology and innovation reporting
- Smart investor supplement
Advertising Value: Niche but influential readership; ideal for corporate communications, financial products, B2B services, and institutional advertising.
9. Bangalore Mirror – The City’s Voice
A Times of India Group tabloid, Bangalore Mirror focuses exclusively on city-specific news, civic issues, and local concerns.
Circulation & Readership: Around 1 lakh copies reaching diverse city neighborhoods
Key Strengths:
- Hyperlocal news coverage across Bangalore
- Civic activism and investigative journalism
- Entertainment and nightlife coverage
- Active social media engagement
Advertising Value: Excellent for local businesses, restaurants, real estate in specific localities, event promotions, and service providers targeting neighborhood audiences.
10. Vijay Times – Bilingual City Tabloid
Unique in its bilingual approach (English and Kannada), Vijay Times serves readers who consume content in both languages.
Circulation & Readership: Approximately 50,000 copies with niche positioning
Key Strengths:
- Bilingual content strategy
- Focus on middle-class concerns
- Local business and startup stories
- Affordable subscription rates
Advertising Value: Cost-effective option for small businesses, local services, and advertisers wanting bilingual reach without separate campaigns.
Choosing the Right Newspaper for Your Needs
For Readers: Newspaper Selection Criteria
- Language Preference: English readers gravitate toward TOI, The Hindu, or Deccan Herald, while Kannada readers prefer Vijaya Karnataka, Prajavani, or Kannada Prabha.
- Content Focus: Business professionals choose The Economic Times or Business Standard, while general news readers prefer mainstream dailies. Those interested in Bangalore-specific content opt for Bangalore Mirror or Deccan Herald.
- Credibility Requirements: The Hindu and Prajavani lead in editorial credibility, while TOI and Vijaya Karnataka offer broader popular appeal.
For Advertisers: Newspaper Advertising Strategy
- Target Audience Demographics: Match newspaper readership profiles with your target customers. Premium brands use The Hindu or Economic Times, mass-market products choose Vijaya Karnataka or TOI, and local businesses prefer Bangalore Mirror.
- Geographic Coverage: City-specific advertisers benefit from Bangalore Mirror or Deccan Herald, while Karnataka-wide campaigns need Vijaya Karnataka or Prajavani.
- Budget Considerations: Advertising rates vary significantly. TOI and Vijaya Karnataka command premium rates, while Kannada Prabha and Vijay Times offer cost-effective options.
- Campaign Objectives: Brand building campaigns suit TOI or The Hindu, while tactical promotions and offers work well in Bangalore Mirror. Recruitment advertising thrives in The Hindu and Economic Times.
Newspaper Circulation Trends in Bangalore
Despite digital media growth, Bangalore’s newspaper circulation remains robust due to several factors:
- High Literacy and Education Levels: Bangalore’s educated population values quality journalism and in-depth reporting unavailable in digital formats.
- Morning Reading Habits: Newspapers remain integral to morning routines for millions of Bangalore residents across age groups.
- Trust Factor: Print media continues to command higher trust than digital news sources, especially for important financial, political, and business decisions.
- Advertising Effectiveness: Print advertising still delivers strong ROI, particularly for real estate, education, healthcare, and local services.
