Agartala, Oct 9: In a move to streamline government advertisements and strengthen the media sector, the Tripura Cabinet has approved the second amendment to the Tripura Advertisement Policy 2021, introducing a revised classification system for enlisted print, electronics and web media organisations.

Announcing the decision at a press conference at the secretariat, Secretary to the Information and Cultural Affairs (ICA) Department, Kiran Gitte, said the state government recognises the essential role of the media and continues to take various initiatives to improve the sector, while ensuring the professional security and welfare of journalists.

Gitte said, the revised policy had been formulated after detailed deliberations and recommendations by an advertisement-related subcommittee constituted on the basis of the decisions of the Media Advisory Committee, chaired by the Chief Minister. 

The ICA Secretary said, under the amended policy, the existing A-1, A, B and C categories will be replaced by three categories— Large, Medium and Small— for enlisted print, television and web media organisations. A separate category called ‘Tabloid’ has also been introduced for small-format daily and weekly newspapers.

The advisory committee comprises senior personalities associated with the state's media sector and was formed to provide recommendations on various media-related issues.

As part of the changes, the existing Empowered Advertisement Committee will be replaced by an advertisement subcommittee comprising media representatives to advise the government on various matters related to advertisements.

The revised policy also introduces changes to the criteria, procedures and mandatory requirements for categorising media organisations. Factors such as circulation and reach, period of publication, number of media personnel employed, infrastructure and overall quality of media operations have been given importance in the revised framework.

The secretary further stated that among print, television and web media organisations classified under the Large category, those with the highest circulation or coverage would be given preference in the allocation of government advertisements.

According to Gitte, the revised policy is intended to facilitate the dissemination of public-interest information through different media platforms, including both established and newly emerging media organisations.

For the information of stakeholders, the amended advertisement policy has also been uploaded to the ICA Department's official website.

During the press conference, Gitte highlighted other initiatives undertaken by the state government for the welfare of media professionals, including the accreditation policy, pension policy and workshops aimed at improving journalists' professional skills and capabilities.

He also mentioned plans to introduce new press jackets and press stickers for journalists in the near future.

Director of the Information and Cultural Affairs Department, Bimbisar Bhattacharya, was also present at the press conference.