Mainline media continues to play a dominant role in advertising, even in the digital-first world of 2025. With television, print, and radio still commanding significant attention, brands rely on these traditional platforms to build credibility, trust, and mass reach. But when planning a campaign, one of the most critical questions marketers ask is: “How much does mainline media advertising cost in 2025?”

This guide breaks down the cost factors, media types, and pricing trends you need to know to plan an effective mainline media campaign this year.

What is Mainline Media Advertising?

Mainline media refers to traditional advertising platforms such as:

  • Television (national and regional channels)

  • Print (newspapers, magazines)

  • Radio (FM, AM, community stations)

  • Outdoor (OOH in conventional formats) though often considered separately, still aligns with mainline for mass targeting

Unlike digital ads, these platforms rely on wide-scale distribution to create strong recall and brand trust.

Factors Affecting Mainline Media Advertising Costs in 2025

  1. Medium Chosen

    • TV ads are generally the most expensive due to their reach and impact.

    • Print remains cost-effective for local targeting.

    • Radio continues to be a budget-friendly option for frequency.

  2. Geographic Reach

    • National campaigns cost significantly more than regional or city-level ads.

    • Tier-1 cities command higher ad rates compared to Tier-2 and Tier-3.

  3. Time Slots & Placements

    • TV prime-time slots (7 PM – 10 PM) and front-page newspaper ads are premium.

    • Off-peak slots and inside pages are cheaper.

  4. Ad Duration & Frequency

    • 30-second TV spots or radio jingles cost more than shorter ones.

    • Higher frequency improves recall but also raises overall campaign cost.

  5. Industry Demand

    • High-demand seasons (festivals, elections, sports tournaments) drive costs upward.

Average Mainline Media Advertising Costs in 2025

While costs vary by region and medium, here’s a general benchmark for 2025:

  • Television Advertising

    • ₹2 lakh – ₹10 lakh for a 10-second spot during prime-time on national channels.

    • Regional channels: ₹25,000 – ₹2 lakh per 10-second spot.

  • Print Advertising

    • ₹5 lakh – ₹50 lakh for a front-page, full-color ad in top national newspapers.

    • ₹20,000 – ₹2 lakh in regional/local editions.

  • Radio Advertising

    • ₹500 – ₹2,500 per 10-second spot depending on the city and station.

    • ₹2 lakh – ₹10 lakh per month for frequency-based packages.

  • Outdoor (Traditional Billboards)

    • ₹50,000 – ₹5 lakh per month depending on city, size, and location.

(Note: Rates are indicative and vary across publishers, agencies, and demand cycles.)

Cost Trends for 2025

  1. Rising Premium for TV Events – Major sports and reality shows are commanding record-breaking ad rates.

  2. Print Survival Strategy – Newspapers are offering bundled print + digital deals to remain competitive.

  3. Localized Radio Growth – Brands are leveraging regional radio for hyper-local campaigns at lower costs.

  4. Hybrid Buying Models – Many advertisers are combining mainline with digital for cost efficiency and better targeting.

How to Optimize Your Mainline Media Budget

  • Choose regional editions or channels for cost-effective reach.

  • Mix mainline with digital ads for higher ROI.

  • Leverage festive/off-peak deals offered by publishers.

  • Negotiate long-term packages instead of one-off placements.

Final Thoughts

The cost of mainline media advertising in 2025 may appear steep compared to digital, but its credibility, reach, and emotional connection remain unmatched. Brands that balance their budgets across TV, print, and radio while integrating digital will achieve both mass impact and measurable returns.


Elyts Advertising and Branding Solutions | www.elyts.in  (India) | www.elyts.agency  (UAE)