IRS Q2 2012: Most top 10 dailies register drop in numbers

Media Research Users Council (MRUC) has announced the topline findings for Indian Readership Survey (IRS) 2012 Q2.

Top 10 Dailies

 Though the top 10 dailies see no change in the order as compared to Q1 data, however seven among them showed a decline in readership. Dainik Jagran continues its lead among dailies, showing marginal rise in average issue readership (AIR) at 16,429,000 in Q2 from 16,412,000 in Q1. On the other hand, Dainik Bhaskar is placed second with an AIR of 14,448,000 in Q2, as compared to 14,553,000 in the first quarter. Hindustan has seen a marginal hike in its readership at 12,205,000 in this quarter, up from 12,157,000 in Q1. Malayala Manorama, Amar Ujala, The Times Of India, Daily Thanthi, Rajasthan Patrika and Mathrubhumi have also seen a decline in AIR in the second quarter. 

Top 10 Magazines

Among the magazines, Malayalam fortnightly Vanitha registered a drop in readership from 24,44,000 in Q1 to 23,53,000 in this quarter. Hindi monthlies Pratiyogita Darpan and SamanyaGyan Darpan registered a hike in readership with the former gaining 25,000 and 20,000 readers respectively in Q2 over Q1. India Today, one of the two English magazines in the top ten list has seen a decline of 59,000 readers during the quarter, registering an AIR of 1,554,000 in Q2. 

Top 10 Hindi Dailies

Only four out of the top 10 newspapers registered growth among Hindi dailies in this quarter. The only change in the order among the top ten this time is the comfortable lead taken by Prabhat Khabar to reach the number 7 spot over Navbharat Times.  

Top 10 English Dailies

Among English dailies, six of the top 10 English dailies have seen a decline in their AIR. The Times of India continues to lead the list, but has a marginal loss of 9,000 readers in this quarter. Meanwhile, second placed Hindustan Times has lost 38,000 readers and The Hindu with a loss of 25,000 readers maintain its third place. 

Top 10 Language Dailies

Malayala Manorama leads among language dailies, but the daily has lost 1,65,000 readers during the quarter. Marathi daily Lokmat has added 22,000 readers during the quarter, while both Daily Thanthi and Mathrubhumi have seen decline in readership.

Top 10 Hindi Magazines 

The top two Hindi magazines has seen a growth in AIR for this quarter. While Pratiyogita Darpan recorded a spike of 25,000 readers, SamanyaGyan Darpan registered an increase of 20,000 readers.  

Top 10 English Magazines

Among English magazines, six of the top 10 have shown a decline in readership. India Today continues to lead among English magazines, but has seen a decline of 59,000 readers from Q1. General Knowledge Today, Competition Success Review, Stardust and Business Today were the only gainers in this quarter.   

Top 10 Language Magazines

Only three language magazines – Karmakshetra, Karmasangsthaan and Mathrubhumi Thozhil Vartha – have registered growth in readership in this quarter. Vanitha continues to be the leader with an AIR of 2,353,000 in Q2, despite losing 91,000 readers from Q1.