PROFILE OF

DESHABHIMANI
THE THIRD LARGEST MALAYALAM DAILY

Deshabhimani, started as a weekly on 6th September 1942 as the culmination

of hopes and aspirations of millions of down-trodden and toiling masses who
were oppressed and suppressed. Later, on 18th January 1946 Deshabhimani
transformed into a four page Morning Daily. The onward march from a
weekly to a full-fledged morning Daily, adopting the concurrent
technological developments in the industry and having seven editions in
Kerala, [published from Kozhikode (1946), Kochi (1968), Trivandrum
(1989), Kannur (1994), Kottayam (1997) , Thrissur (2000), Gulf edition
published from Saudi Arabia (2008), Malappuram & Bangalore edition
(2010) and an internet edition] is very challenging at the same time an
inspiring experience. This achievement is only because of Deshabhimani as
the newspaper “of the people, by the people and for the people”. The
ownership of this newspaper is vested on the State Committee of CPI(M)
Kerala. However with regard to the news coverage it is a full fledged news
paper acceptable to all segments of people. Deshabhimani along with daily
news papers is giving special pull outs to school going children, women,
youth and having article on socio cultural issues in weekend suppliment.
Deshabhimani has a Saga of trials and Tribulations. The annals of history of
this news paper was and is inalienably a part and parcel of the growth of left
and progressive movements in Kerala. As a powerful weapon it steadfastly
stood with the masses throughout in its history. That has been vindicated by
the involvement of all sections of the people of Kerala in the survival and
growth of Deshabhimani during the past seven decades. The proletarian
perspective and progressive views of the newspaper was so irritating to the
British as well as erstwhile princely rulers that Deshabhimani was banned and
fined several times. It had witnessed severe repressive actions during post
independence period too. The period between 1948-51 witnessed the hardest
and severest repressive actions against the party and Deshabhimani. The
period of “Emergency” was another occasion it faced severe stress and strain.
Deshabhimani couldn’t publish editorials due to hard and fast pre-censorship.
The paper was also

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denied of its rightful share of Govt advertisements. The paper could not print
in time and had to skip even editions because of the delaying tactics of the
censoring officers.
By surmounting all these travails, Deshabhimani always stood in defense
for the Democracy and Common cause. While sticking upon to its ideology
the paper has changed a lot in form and content in recent times to become the
third largest Malayalam Daily.
Circulation & Readership
Deshabhimani is a member of Audit Bureau of Circulation (ABC). As per the
latest ABC audit (July - December 2014) the average circulation during the
period is 4.10 lakhs
Deshabhimani is increasing its circulation year by year by conducting
intensive circulation campaigns. Four editions Kannur, Thrissur, Kochi &
Trivandrum crossed 1.5 lakh copies during the recent campaigns. Our plan is
to establish new editions in district level.
Indian Readership Survey (IRS) conducted recently by MRUC has revealed
that Deshabhimani has achieved the highest readership growth among all
Indian Newspapers. Deshabhimani is providing its Internet edition combined
with E-paper free of cost to the viewers.

Employees
Total number of employees in Deshabhimani is around 900. Out of which
280 persons are working as Journalists, proof readers and photographers. 372
persons are working in management sections such as Accounts,
Advertisements, Circulations, pre press and despatch sections. 182 persons
are working in printing section. Pay & allowances of the employees are
governed by wage board recommendations and Dearness allowance is being
revised as per all India consumer price index. Time bound promotion policy
is also implemented.
Printing Infrastructure.
News paper printing process can be classified broadly into three sections

1. PREPRESS
2. PRESS
3. POSTPRESS
1. PREPRESS

The final page from the Editorial send to CTP machines for making plates.
This plates are using for the printing process.CTP is latest technology using
for plate making. We are using latest SCREEN CTP machines to our various
branches across Kerala.

2. PRESS

Our press consists of latest ORIENT XL/SUPER machines of M/S The

Printers house It is capable to print maximum 20 pages and 30,000 to 36,000
copies per hour. Electrical control panel, Main drive motor, compressor, and
DG are the other machines which connect to the main printing machine. It
costs around one crore.
All the printed pages from each printing unit are coming to our folder machine
where it join and fold each copy. Finally each copy separated after cutting by
the folder machine.

3. POSTPRESS

The final separated copies from the folder machine traveling through
conveyor belts. We have installed automatic counter stacker, sealing and
strapping machines to our three branches ie.Trivandrum, Kozhikode and
Kannur. This helps to automate the delivery work. We have planned to extend
these stacker units to other branches also.

Finally these copies delivered to the customers through our various agents
across Kerala.

RAW MATERIALS
Major raw materials consumed by Deshabhimani are standard News Print,
plates, Ink,and chemicals such as wash and Fount.
At present major quantity of Newsprint is being procured from domestic
sources small quantities are being imported from other countries. (IE code-
1096001152) considering the growing requirement and quality and cost
parameters Deshabhimani intend to import more quantity of newsprint in the
coming days.