New Delhi: The Indian Newspaper Society told The Supreme Court on Thursday that the government has incurred huge advertising dues to newspapers.
There was no indication of getting the amount paid any time sooner, according to the affidavit filed by INS.
News Broadcasters association also threw their weight behind INS by submitting an affidavit.
In the affidavit to SC, INS and NBA said as much while responding to an petition filed by guilds including National Alliance of Journalists, Delhi Union of Journalists and Brihanmumbai Union of Journalists against media managements’ unilateral lay-offs of journalists, salary cut, and forced non-paid leaves following COVID-19 lockdown.
INS also said that COVID-19 situation has further worsened the already cash trapped media industry.
The Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity ( DAVP) has incurred between 1500 crore and 1800 crore in arrears to various media outlets. Of which between 800 and 9000 crore is in dues to be paid to newspapers.
There is now 80-85 percent reduction in government advertisements and 90 per cent in other advertisements.
The affidavit also said that many newspapers reduced number of pages and some closed most of their editions.