In the ever-evolving Indian advertising landscape, mainline media continues to be a powerful tool for brands to connect with mass audiences. Even with the rapid rise of digital channels, traditional platforms like television, print, and radio remain highly influential. However, with growing demand, fluctuating media consumption trends, and economic changes, the cost of mainline media advertising in India has seen significant shifts in 2025.

This article offers a comprehensive breakdown of mainline media advertising costs across India in 2025, helping marketers and advertisers make informed budget decisions.

What is Mainline Media Advertising?

Mainline media refers to traditional advertising platforms including:

  • Television (TV)
  • Print Media (Newspapers and Magazines)
  • Radio
  • Cinema Advertising
  • Outdoor (often considered overlapping, but sometimes included in mainline strategies)

These media channels are known for their broad reach, strong recall value, and mass-market penetration, making them ideal for brand awareness campaigns.

Cost Breakdown by Mainline Media Type (2025)

1. Television Advertising Costs in India (2025)

TV remains a dominant advertising platform, especially during major events like IPL, elections, and festive seasons.

  • National Channels (e.g., Star Plus, Sony, Zee TV):
    • Prime Time (7 PM – 11 PM): ₹1.5 to ₹3 lakh per 10-second slot
    • Non-Prime Time: ₹40,000 to ₹1 lakh per 10-second slot
  • Regional Channels:
    • Prime Time: ₹30,000 to ₹1 lakh per 10-second slot
    • Non-Prime Time: ₹10,000 to ₹30,000 per 10-second slot
  • Special Events (e.g., IPL 2025):
    • ₹6 lakh to ₹14 lakh per 10 seconds, depending on match popularity

???? Cost Influencers: Channel TRPs, genre, time slot, duration of the campaign, and seasonality.

2. Print Media Advertising Costs in India (2025)

Print still plays a critical role in India, especially among older demographics and Tier 2 & 3 cities.

  • National Dailies (e.g., Times of India, Hindustan Times):
    • Full-page (All India): ₹15 lakh to ₹40 lakh per insertion
    • Half-page: ₹7 lakh to ₹18 lakh per insertion
  • Regional Newspapers (e.g., Eenadu, Dainik Bhaskar, Malayala Manorama):
    • Full-page: ₹2 lakh to ₹10 lakh per insertion
    • Quarter-page: ₹50,000 to ₹3 lakh

???? Cost Influencers: City edition, day of the week (Sundays are premium), ad placement (front/back page), and color vs B/W.

3. Radio Advertising Costs in India (2025)

Radio offers hyperlocal targeting with relatively low entry costs, popular among FMCG, retail, and regional brands.

  • Top Cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata):
    • ₹2,000 to ₹8,000 per 10-second slot
  • Tier 2 & 3 Cities:
    • ₹500 to ₹2,500 per 10-second slot

???? Cost Influencers: FM station popularity, time band (morning/evening peak hours cost more), and frequency.

4. Cinema Advertising Costs in India (2025)

With the resurgence of cinema post-COVID and a blockbuster-packed 2025, this medium is regaining traction.

  • Multiplex Chains (PVR, INOX, Cinepolis):
    • ₹2 lakh to ₹5 lakh for 15–30-second ad per screen per week (Metro cities)
  • Single Screens & Regional Theatres:
    • ₹10,000 to ₹1 lakh per week per screen

???? Cost Influencers: Screen location, footfall, movie genre, and ad length.

Estimated Mainline Media Advertising Budgets (2025)

Campaign Scale

Estimated Budget Range (Monthly)

Local Campaign

₹2 lakh – ₹10 lakh

Regional Campaign

₹10 lakh – ₹50 lakh

National Brand Launch

₹1 crore – ₹10 crore+

Tips to Maximize ROI on Mainline Media in 2025

  1. Combine with Digital: Use mainline to build awareness, and digital for engagement and retargeting.
  2. Leverage Regional Media: Regional TV and newspapers offer strong ROI due to local trust and lower costs.
  3. Seasonal Planning: Plan campaigns around festive and high TRP periods, but book in advance to avoid premium rates.
  4. Data-Led Decisions: Use data on media consumption habits from BARC, IRS, and other sources for smarter placement.

Conclusion

Mainline media advertising in India is still thriving in 2025, but it's becoming more data-driven and competitive. While digital media continues its upward trajectory, television, print, and radio remain essential—especially when aiming for mass brand visibility. Understanding cost structures and strategic planning can make all the difference in achieving high-impact results without overspending.

 

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