A government advertisement released in Andhra Jyothy Telugu daily newspaper on Wednesday to mark its 23rd anniversary came in for sharp criticism in the media circles.
The government advertisement, released by state stamps and revenue department openly described a newspaper as its “abhimaana patrika” (favourite publication).
The advertisement appeared in the Vijayawada East Zone edition. The creative layout - including a pinned map-like image on a small land-shaped section - only added to the peculiarity.
What is worse, the ad prominently featured the photograph of the newspaper’s managing director Vemuri Radhakrishna, while the images of chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu and revenue minister Anagani Satyaprasad appeared in miniature, almost as a token presence.
Analysts termed it unethical and undesirable for a government department to issue an advertisement acknowledging “affection” towards a particular media outlet. The practice, they say, raises questions over neutrality in official publicity spending.
It is an open secret that after the Telugu Desam Party-led coalition came to power in Andhra Pradesh in June 2024, pro-TDP media houses such as Eenadu, TV5, and Andhra Jyothi are once again perceived as the “favourite platforms” for official advertisements and publicity.
Even chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu himself recently tweeted congratulating ABN on its 16-year anniversary, praising its “unforgettable impact on readers.”
While official ads to newspapers are routine, critics point out that this level of overt admiration - especially using taxpayers’ money - could set an unhealthy precedent.
Ironically, the government advertisements to the newspapers are issued through the Information and Public Relations Department.
“Had this ad, too, been issued through I&PR department, at least it would have had some justification. But a technical department issuing a ‘fan ad’ is highly irregular,” said one senior journalist.
It only shows the growing commercialization of media-government relationships in Andhra Pradesh, he added.
