Pune, February 28, 2025 – eSakal.com, the flagship digital platform of Sakal Media Group (SMG), has been ranked as India’s No. 1 Marathi news website, according to Comscore’s multi-platform data for January 2025. This recognition marks a significant milestone in Sakal’s digital journey and underscores the group’s leadership in regional news publishing.
With the highest number of unique monthly visitors among all Marathi news websites, eSakal.com has set a new benchmark in content engagement, user experience, and digital scale. The platform’s achievement reflects Sakal’s editorial strength, technology-driven approach, and continued investment in regional language ecosystems.
Editorial Vision and Digital Strategy
“ This milestone goes beyond numbers. It validates our editorial commitment, audience-first mindset, and the long-term investments we’ve made in building a robust, trustworthy regional platform. Our focus remains on shaping the future of regional journalism-one that is inclusive, accountable, and innovation-led.”
– Abhijit Pawar, Managing Director of Sakal Media Group
The platform’s growth has been driven by data-informed content strategies, diversified digital formats, and multi-device accessibility. In the last year, eSakal.com has significantly expanded its reach among youth audiences, rural users, and mobile-first readers, while introducing formats such as multimedia storytelling, real-time dashboards, and audio content.
Audience-Centric Innovation
“ Regional language media plays a critical role in public engagement and information access. At eSakal.com, we’ve remained focused on agility, experimentation, and quality. Our teams continue to prioritise what matters most to our readers—relevance, reliability, and depth.”
– Swapnil Malpathak, Business Head – Digital Publishing, Sakal Media Group
This growth is a direct outcome of Sakal’s structured digital transformation strategy – one that redefined its content workflows, rebuilt its web and app platforms, and introduced new digital revenue and distribution models.
Recognition and Impact
eSakal.com has earned widespread industry recognition for its innovation in regional media, including the WAN-IFRA South Asia Digital Media Award for Best Podcast (Marathi). The platform has also been recognised for its contributions to audience engagement, digital newsroom operations, and technology-led storytelling.
Beyond news, eSakal.com has evolved into a comprehensive digital destination for the Marathi-speaking community, offering live event coverage, citizen-led campaigns, and original programming such as podcasts and explainer series—creating a culturally relevant and civic-minded ecosystem.
About Sakal Media Group
Sakal Media Group (SMG) is one of India’s oldest and most trusted regional media organisations, with a legacy of over 90 years. Based in Maharashtra, SMG operates across print, digital, broadcast, and live events, reaching millions of readers and users daily. The Group is widely recognised for its commitment to high-quality journalism, regional empowerment, and socially driven initiatives. Through platforms like eSakal.com, SMG continues to lead the digital transformation of vernacular media in India.
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