The Sakshi TV and newspaper are not getting enough revenue from their commercial advertisements. The other media especially Eenadu Group is stronger in this segment because of their higher circulation and readership. So, the Jaganmohan Reddy government came out with a master plan to help increase revenue to Sakshi through the government advertisements. Losing no time, the I&PR Department silently increased the ad rates to be paid to Sakshi by 200 per cent.
The Sakshi cannot increase commercial ad rates arbitrarily since that would drive away companies. But, in respect of government ad rates, the I&PR Department has the discretion to take a decision regardless of the actual circulation and readership status. This is taken advantage by CM Jagan Reddy to pump tens of crores of rupees into his Sakshi media.
The hiked rates are being already paid to Sakshi silently. The government is hiding details of how much ad amounts are paid to Jagan media. Huge public money is going to Sakshi because of full page advertisements being given to it even on small occasions. All this is taking place even as Jagan Reddy talks about the delicate financial position. Ex Finance Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu demanded the government to disclose details of ad amounts paid to Sakshi till now.
