Sakal Plus crosses 10,000 paying subscribers

The milestone has been achieved within the first month of the launch

by e4m Staff
Published: Sep 3, 2024 6:43 PM | 3 min read

Sakal, one of the biggest names in Marathi media, has recently achieved a remarkable milestone by garnering over 10,000 paying subscribers within the first month of launching its digital subscription service - Sakal Plus. This unprecedented success underscores the strong affinity Marathi readers have for quality, contextual content tailored to their specific needs. It demonstrates the viability of reader revenue as a sustainable business model for media companies.

Sakal identified a significant gap in the market: the unfulfilled content needs of the Marathi audience. While many media houses offer generic news and updates, there was a clear demand for deeper, more contextual content that resonated with Marathi readers at a 1:1 level. By addressing this need, Sakal has positioned itself as the first platform to cater to the preferences of Marathi readers comprehensively. The platform offers a diverse range of content, including hyperlocal news, personal finance insights, agricultural updates, and in-depth political analysis, all within a Marathi context.

“Our goal was to bridge the content gap and provide unparalleled value to our readers. The overwhelming response within the first month is a testament to the trust and loyalty of our audience,” remarked Swapnil Malpathak, Head of Digital Business at Sakal.

To ensure the content meets the high expectations of its audience, Sakal has partnered with specialists along with traditional journalists. These experts bring vast knowledge in various fields, creating and sharing curated content that caters to the nuanced needs of the Marathi community. This approach not only appeals to local readers but also to Marathi-speaking individuals worldwide, helping them stay connected to their roots.

“We understood that the Marathi audience craves content that speaks directly to them. Our collaboration with experts allows us to deliver this with precision, ensuring high engagement and satisfaction,” commented Ankit Dikshit, Subscription Head at Sakal.

Sakal’s achievement has set a new benchmark in the media industry, showcasing the potential of well-executed reader revenue strategies.

As the digital landscape evolves, Sakal’s innovative approach and successful execution provide a roadmap for others in the industry, illustrating the power of tailored content and strategic partnerships in driving reader revenue.

As media observers, we will be keenly watching to see if paywalls alone can sustain and grow reader revenue, or if media brands will need to innovate further by offering additional value propositions. The evolving landscape of regional media will undoubtedly require a dynamic approach to stay relevant and deepen their engagement with audiences. Sakal's success provides a compelling case study, but the journey of media transformation is just beginning, and it will be fascinating to see how other brands respond to this challenge and opportunity.