Kolkata all Newspaper list | Top 10 Newspaper in Kolkata

Kolkata (then Calcutta) holds a revered place in the history of Indian journalism, being the birthplace of the nation's first printed newspaper. The printing press became a vital tool for intellectuals, reformers, and revolutionaries, making the city a battleground for ideas and a beacon of the burgeoning freedom movement.

The Dawn of the Press: Hicky's Bengal Gazette

The journey began in 1780 with the launch of Hicky's Bengal Gazette or the Calcutta General Advertiser. . Founded by the eccentric Irishman James Augustus Hicky, it was the first newspaper not just in India, but in all of Asia. Initially focused on local gossip, it quickly gained notoriety for its satirical and provocative style, often criticizing the British East India Company's administration under Governor-General Warren Hastings. Though its publication was short-lived (shut down in 1782), its legacy as a bold, independent voice laid the foundation for a robust press.

The Rise of Vernacular Journalism

The true spirit of Bengali intellectualism found its voice with the advent of the Bengali language press in the early 19th century:

• Samachar Darpan (1818): Published by the Baptist missionaries from Serampore, it is considered one of the earliest and most influential Bengali magazines.

• Bengal Gazetti (1818): The first Bengali newspaper edited by a Bengali, Ganga Kishore Bhattacharya, cemented the local ownership and direction of the press.

• Sambad Prabhakar (1831): Edited by the renowned Ishwar Chandra Gupta, this weekly became highly influential, making its mark by fostering Bengali literature and social commentary.

• Amrita Bazar Patrika (1868): A prominent English and later bilingual publication, it became a powerful voice against the British Raj, epitomizing the press's role in the nationalist movement.

These early publications established the newspaper not just as a source of news, but as a crucial instrument for social reform, political mobilization, and the flourishing of the Bengali language and culture—a tradition that continues to define the Newspaper In Kolkata today.

Most Popular Top 10 Newspaper in Kolkata (The Modern Media Titans)

The contemporary media landscape in Kolkata is dominated by a few behemoths that command massive circulation and readership, largely in the Bengali language, but with significant presence from English and Hindi dailies. The competition is fierce, reflecting the city's high literacy rates and its deep-seated reading culture.

Here is an analysis of the most popular and influential newspapers in Kolkata:

Anandabazar Patrika

• Rank # 1
• Language: Bengali
• Publisher/Group: ABP Group
• USP & Readership Profile: The undisputed leader with the highest circulation (over 1.2 million), widely regarded as a cultural institution and an authoritative voice on political and cultural matters.

Bartaman

• Rank # 2
• Language: Bengali
• Publisher/Group: Bartaman Pvt. Ltd.
• USP & Readership Profile:A major competitor to ABP, known for its bold journalism, progressive views, and significant circulation (around 600,000).

The Telegraph

• Rank # 3
• Language: English
• Publisher/Group: ABP Group
• USP & Readership Profile:The premier English daily, targeting an educated, urban, and influential readership concentrated in major metropolitan areas.

Ei Samay

• Rank # 4
• Language: Bengali
• Publisher/Group: The Times Group
• USP & Readership Profile:A newer entrant (2012) with a modern, visually appealing layout, targeting a younger, urban audience with a contemporary approach to news.

Sangbad Pratidin

• Rank # 5
• Language: Bengali
• Publisher/Group: Sangbad Pratidin
• USP & Readership Profile:Highly popular, known for its strong focus on local news, state politics, and entertainment, with a loyal readership base.

The Times of India (TOI)

• Rank # 6
• Language: English
• Publisher/Group: The Times Group
• USP & Readership Profile:A leading national English daily with a strong presence among the metropolitan, upper-middle-class, and business-focused readers.

Aajkaal

• Rank # 7
• Language: Bengali
• Publisher/Group: Aajkaal Publishers
• USP & Readership Profile:Respected for its editorial quality, in-depth analysis, and comprehensive coverage, with a dedicated readership valuing cultural content and sports.

Sanmarg

• Rank # 8
• Language: Hindi
• Publisher/Group: Sanmarg Pvt Ltd.
• USP & Readership Profile:The leading Hindi Language Newspaper in Eastern India, catering to the substantial Hindi-speaking population in Kolkata and surrounding regions.

The Statesman

• Rank # 9
• Language: English
• Publisher/Group: The Statesman Group
• USP & Readership Profile:A historic legacy newspaper (founded 1875) known for its elite readership, high editorial standards, and coverage of national and international affairs.

Ganashakti

• Rank # 10
• Language: Bengali
• Publisher/Group: Communist Party of India (Marxist)
• USP & Readership Profile:Known for its strong political stance, serving as the voice of the Left movement with dedicated coverage of labor rights and social justice.

Bangla Language Newspaper: The Cultural Backbone

The heart of the Newspaper In Kolkata industry lies unquestionably with the Bangla Language Newspaper publications. Bengali dailies not only provide news but also serve as the primary medium for cultural discourse, literary supplements, and regional identity.

Dominant Bengali Dailies

The sheer volume and readership of Bengali newspapers dwarf their English and Hindi counterparts, underscoring the deep connection between the print medium and the masses in West Bengal.

• Anandabazar Patrika (ABP): Its influence goes beyond mere news reporting. It is a cultural marker, a part of the morning ritual for millions, and a significant political barometer.

• Bartaman: As a strong alternative voice, it has successfully captured a large segment of the readership with its often aggressive and progressive editorial line.

• Ei Samay: Launched by the mighty Times Group, it has modernized the format and presentation of Bengali journalism, appealing to the digitally-savvy generation.

Other Key Bengali Dailies:

• Puber Kalom: A respected Urdu-Bengali newspaper focusing on minority affairs.

• Uttarbanga Sambad: The leading regional paper focusing on North Bengal, showcasing the importance of hyper-local news.

• Jago Bangla: The official mouthpiece of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) party, providing a key political perspective.

The Bengali press is characterized by vibrant political engagement, rich cultural pages, and a deep-rooted commitment to local and regional issues, making them indispensable to the average Kolkatan.

Hindi Language Newspaper and Other Languages

While Bengali is the dominant language, Kolkata's cosmopolitan nature ensures a healthy market for non-Bengali language newspapers, particularly the Hindi press, which serves the large Marwari and North Indian population in the city.

The Strength of the Hindi Press

The Hindi Language Newspaper segment is robust, fulfilling the information needs of a significant demographic group that is often key to the city's commercial and industrial sectors.

• Sanmarg: As highlighted earlier, it is the leading Hindi daily in the region, providing localized coverage alongside national news, a crucial bridge for the Hindi-speaking community.

• Dainik Bhaskar / Rajasthan Patrika / Prabhat Khabar: While primarily dominant in other Hindi-speaking states, they have editions or strong circulation in Kolkata, further diversifying the market.

• Vishwabandhu: Another Hindi newspaper with a base in Kolkata.

English and Multilingual Press

The English newspapers—primarily The Telegraph and The Times of India—cater to a highly educated, urban, and elite readership, often dictating the terms of business, policy, and national discourse. They are essential for a global and professional perspective.

Beyond Bengali, Hindi, and English, Kolkata’s press also represents its minority communities:

• Urdu Newspapers: Dailies like Rozana Hind and Al Hug serve the significant Urdu-speaking population.

• The Chinese Press: Historically, Kolkata was home to The Oversees Chinese Commerce of India or Seong Pow, though its printing has ceased, marking the challenges faced by very niche publications in the digital age.

Complete Kolkata Newspaper List (A Comprehensive Directory)

The following list attempts to capture the comprehensive range of newspapers published from or having a significant circulation base in Kolkata, categorised by language.

Bengali Language Newspapers (Bangla Language Newspaper)

• Anandabazar Patrika

• Bartaman

• Ei Samay

• Sangbad Pratidin

• Aajkaal

• Ganashakti

• Ebela

• Uttarbanga Sambad

• Puber Kalom

• Dainik Statesman

• Jago Bangla

• Ekdin

• Dainik Jugasankha

• Kalantar

• Deshabrati

• Pratiahik Sambad

• Dainik Basumati (Historic, though publishing may have ceased or changed)

This detailed listing provides an extensive overview, highlighting Kolkata’s truly multilingual and diverse media environment.

Newspaper Future: Print Meets the Digital Age

The Newspaper Future in Kolkata, much like the rest of the world, is defined by the ongoing transition from print dominance to digital integration. While the print sector in India has proven to be more resilient than in Western nations, the headwinds are undeniable.

The Digital Onslaught

Factors influencing the shift:

• Digital Penetration: The rapid growth of internet users in India, particularly for vernacular (regional language) content, means news is increasingly consumed on mobile phones. Digital access in India is forecasted to reach 700 million users by 2026.

• Vernacular Growth: The consumption of news in regional languages like Bengali is growing much faster on digital platforms (6-8 times the rate of English language content). This is forcing Bengali dailies to prioritize their e-paper and news portal strategies.

• Evolving Revenue Models: Print revenues are stagnating or declining (forecasted to drop by 20-25% over the next five years in India). Publishers are struggling to monetize digital content effectively, leading to pressure on the traditional economics of news creation.

The Resilience of Print

Despite the digital push, print holds a unique cultural importance in Kolkata. For many, the morning ritual of a newspaper—especially a large Bengali broadsheet—remains an established and trusted source of information. The print edition provides a curated, verified, and cohesive narrative, offering a necessary contrast to the sometimes chaotic stream of digital and social media news.

The future is therefore unlikely to be the complete death of print, but rather a hybrid model. Print will likely become more niche, focused on analysis, opinion, and high-quality investigative journalism, while the digital platforms will handle the rapid, breaking news cycle.

The Unstoppable Ink of Kolkata

Kolkata’s newspapers are more than mere information providers; they are the conscience, the chronicler, and the cultural compass of the city. From the rebellious spirit of Hicky's first print to the comprehensive coverage of Anandabazar Patrika and the global outlook of The Telegraph, the city's press reflects its layered history and vibrant, multilingual modernity.

The comprehensive Kolkata Newspaper List demonstrates a robust and diverse media ecosystem—one that is keenly aware of the past while aggressively embracing the Newspaper Future. Whether through the rustle of a Bengali broadsheet or the glowing screen of a news app, the tradition of a well-informed and engaged citizenry continues to thrive in the City of Joy. The story of Kolkata is, and will always be, the story told in its daily papers.