Pune, Feb 28 2025 – In a significant milestone for regional digital media, eSakal.com, the flagship news platform of Sakal Media Group (SMG), has emerged as India’s No. 1 Marathi news website in terms of reach and engagement. The recognition, based on Comscore’s latest multi-platform data (January 2025), reflects the success of SMG’s digital-first strategy and AP Globale’s broader vision for regional media innovation.
eSakal.com registered the highest number of unique monthly visitors among Marathi news portals in India, outperforming peers in terms of scale, content engagement, and platform performance. The achievement underscores the growing demand for credible, accessible, and language-relevant digital journalism.
“ This milestone is not just a digital metric -it is a validation of our editorial integrity, user-centric technology, and sustained investment in regional content ecosystems. Our goal is not only to lead in numbers but to shape the future of vernacular journalism that is inclusive, accountable, and innovation-driven.”
– Abhijit Pawar, Chairman of AP Globale & Managing Director of Sakal Media Group
eSakal.com’s growth is attributed to a combination of content excellence, data-driven insights, and multi-platform distribution. In the past year, the platform has significantly expanded its reach among youth, rural audiences, and mobile-first users while introducing diversified formats, including multimedia storytelling, podcasts, and real-time election dashboards.
The platform’s success also reflects AP Globale’s commitment to building scalable digital infrastructure that supports both editorial credibility and user experience.
“We see regional language media as one of the most powerful vehicles for public engagement and democratic access to information. Our teams have focused on agility, experimentation, and quality – ensuring eSakal.com remains relevant, reliable, and responsive to what our readers value most.”
– Swapnil Malpathak, Business Head – Digital Publishing, Sakal Media Group
Driving Regional Media Transformation
As part of AP Globale’s media vertical, Sakal Media Group has undertaken a comprehensive digital transformation over the last few years. This includes restructuring its content strategy, rebuilding digital platforms, and launching new revenue and distribution models across web and mobile.
The transformation has been recognised across the media industry, with eSakal.com receiving accolades for its innovation, including the WAN-IFRA South Asia Digital Media Award for Best Podcast (Marathi) and commendations for audience growth and digital newsroom leadership.
In addition to news, the platform has become a cultural and civic touchpoint, hosting podcasts, live event coverage, and citizen-centric campaigns – making it a complete digital ecosystem for the Marathi-speaking population globally.
About AP Globale
AP Globale (APG) is a purpose-driven strategic group headquartered in Pune, India. Through its verticals in Media, Skilling & Education, Impact Advisory, Investments, and Special Projects, APG is focused on creating sustainable and scalable impact. AP Globale is the holding group behind Sakal Media Group, one of India’s oldest and most trusted regional media networks. Through transformative initiatives like the digital growth of eSakal.com, APG is shaping the future of regional platforms with technology, storytelling, and public purpose at the core.
