Asom Barta, a weekly Assamese infotainment broadsheet newspaper published from Majuli, Assam goes famous in the state news world which focuses on Assam-specific issues, lifestyle, brands, new launches, entertainment etc. It also cover national/international news and carries more analytical, investigative and rich in data stories. The 8-page broadsheet has been launched with a print run of 10,000 copies. The broadsheet primarily caters to readers above the age of 16, belonging to SEC B and above category. It mainly targets students, working professionals, entrepreneurs and the youth. It is circulated in Assam and has a content-ad ratio of 85:15, which the company aims to bring down to 70:30 in 2020. Asom Barta is currently edited by Tonay Borah, who has an experience of five years and has worked with some another Assamese Newspaper. Speaking about the idea, Tonay Borah says, “Assam is an emerging market in the country. The audience’s taste is evolving much more than before and the current print medium options are largely classified into dailies that offer reports and hard news and magazines (mostly monthly) that are largely in the lifestyle genre. This gives space for a Assam-based Assamese weekly in the infotainment genre for a population.” Asom Barta is also present on the digital platform through social media, website and mobile app. Speaking on the idea behind choosing the broadsheet format, Borah adds that broadsheet has always been a state favourite and provides the chance to tackle content which is different from dailies or magazines. It is an exciting medium and since the new Indian is always on the move, something concise and at the same time informative would do well. Also, he adds that the platform is secondary; it is the content that will make it click. The tabloid format appeared most suitable for the content being provided by the publication.
Asom Barta : The First Weekly Published From River Island Majuli
