MUMBAI: Sakal is the highest circulated and the most sold newspaper in Maharashtra with daily circulation of over 1.3 million, according to the Audit Bureau of Circulation’s (ABC) latest report.Sakal is the flagship product of the AP Globale Group headed by Abhijit Pawar.

“Our heartfelt thanks to our readers for making Sakal No.1 publication...You continue to inspire us to grow in the ways that we deliver our journalism,” Mr Abhijit Pawar, the Chairman of AP Globale and the CEO of Sakal Media Group (SMG) said in a tweet.During the Indian General Elections 2019, SMG was the only media house from Maharashtra to interview both the leading Prime Ministerial candidates, PM NarendraModi and INC President Rahul Gandhi. This fact is a testimony to the Groups’ ethos in neutral stance in news delivery.

The findings are from a circulation audit undertaken by the ABC through its empanelled auditors. The report notes the results for the period of July to December 2018.

According to ABC, the daily circulation of Sakal’s all editions is almost 12,92,134 lakhs copies across Maharashtra. The main edition from Pune sells approximately 5.8 lakh copies a day. The report also suggests that Sakal tops sales among competitors in the regions of Pune, Mumbai, Kolhapur, Nashik-Jalgaon, Aurangabad, Solapur, Satara and Ahmedabad. It is a clear indicator that Sakal is the preferred choice in newer and the more progressive geographies.

Established on the New Years’ day of 1932, Sakal, with its almost nine-decade-old legacy, has not only been all about its integrity in information delivery and unbiased journalism. The Group has been committed in its endeavours to deliver in the best interest of society. Through its various events, initiatives and campaigns, Sakal has built its trust around people. Sakal strives towards gaining social and economic transformation with the belief that the role of media has evolved from being ‘an advocate of social causes’ to being the facilitator of social change. Getting connected with the people’s sentiments is an intrinsic characteristic of all the initiatives the Group undertakes. SMG is among the largest donor companies in the Indian media sector.

With several initiatives and channels like Sakal Social Foundation, Sakal Relief Fund, Tanishka Foundation (empowers women), YIN (Young Inspirators Network), Pune Bus Day, SarpanchParishad (Rural development), etc., Sakal has connected with the audience of Maharashtra and has become a people’s brand and therefore their No.1 choice.

The ABC takes pride in its ability to arrive at authentic circulation figures. The prestigious and the trusted body takes into account net paid newspaper copies complying with all of their audit guidelines. The findings and statistics of ABC are considered as the most reliable and official in terms of print media in the advertisement and publishing sectors.