The Times of India
The Times of India (TOI) is an Indian English-language daily newspaper and digital news media owned and managed by The Times Group. It is the third-largest newspaper in India by circulation and the largest-selling English-language daily in the world, according to the Audit Bureau of Circulations (India).[1] It is the oldest English-language newspaper in India, and the second-oldest Indian newspaper still in circulation, with its first edition published on 3 November 1838 as The Bombay Times and Journal of Commerce.[2][3] It is nicknamed "The Old Lady of Bori Bunder" and is headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra.[2]
 | |
 Front page of The Times of India, 7 May 2016 | |
| Type | Daily newspaper |
|---|---|
| Format | Broadsheet |
| Owner(s) | The Times Group |
| Publisher | Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. |
| Founded | November 3, 1838 |
| Language | English |
| Headquarters | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Circulation | 2,880,144 (as of December 2019)[1] |
| ISSN | 0971-8257 |
| Website | timesofindia |
History
Early years
The Times of India was founded on 3 November 1838 as The Bombay Times and Journal of Commerce in Bombay (now Mumbai), during the British Raj. Initially a semiweekly publication under the editorship of ND Velkar, it became a daily newspaper in 1850 under George Buist.[3] In 1861, under editor Robert Knight, the newspaper adopted its current name, The Times of India.[3] The paper played a significant role in reporting on colonial India, covering events such as the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
Post-independence
After India's independence in 1947, the newspaper adapted to the changing political landscape, focusing on national development and governance. In 1991, the BBC ranked The Times of India among the world's six best newspapers.[4] The newspaper expanded its reach with editions in major cities like Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata, and Chennai.[5]
Digital era
In the 2000s, The Times of India embraced digital media, launching its website and e-paper, which provide comprehensive online reading for subscribers.[5] The digital platform covers diverse topics, including national and international news, entertainment, and sports. The newspaper has faced scrutiny for its coverage, with a 2025 Delhi High Court order directing Wikipedia to remove alleged defamatory content related to ANI, highlighting its influence in Indian media.[6]
Content and coverage
The Times of India covers a wide range of topics, including politics, business, sports, entertainment, and international affairs. It is known for its extensive reporting on events such as the 2025 Ahmedabad plane crash, where it detailed the tragedy and its impact on the local community.[7] The newspaper also reported on international stories like the Israel-Iran conflict and entertainment news, including box office performances of films like Kamal Haasan's Thug Life.[8]
The newspaper has been criticized for sensationalism but remains a leading source of news in India, with a reputation for breaking stories on topics like NEET PG exam updates and Chennai Metro developments.[7]
Editions and circulation
The Times of India publishes multiple city-specific editions, including:
As of December 2019, its circulation was 2,880,144, making it the third-largest newspaper in India.[1] It is the largest-selling English-language daily globally, with a significant readership both in print and online.[2][4]
Ownership and management
The newspaper is owned by The Times Group, a media conglomerate that also publishes The Economic Times and operates television channels like Times Now. Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. is the publishing company, with its headquarters in Mumbai.[2]
Controversies
In 2025, The Times of India reported on a Delhi High Court ruling ordering Wikipedia to remove defamatory content about ANI, reflecting ongoing debates about media accuracy and legal accountability.[6] The newspaper has also faced criticism for its editorial stance and perceived bias in political reporting.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Details of most circulated publications for the audit period Jul - Dec 2019". Audit Bureau of Circulations (India). Retrieved 28 June 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "The Times of India". Wikiwand. Retrieved 28 June 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "The Times of India". Logopedia. Fandom. Retrieved 28 June 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 @PJM_data (28 July 2021). "The Times Of India is the third-largest newspaper..." X. Retrieved 28 June 2025.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Times of India ePaper". The Times of India. 16 June 2025. Retrieved 28 June 2025.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Take down defamatory content on ANI: HC to Wikipedia". The Times of India. 3 April 2025. Retrieved 28 June 2025.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Air India crash: Tragedy far beyond fuselage". The Times of India. 12 June 2025. Retrieved 28 June 2025.
- ↑ "Kamal Haasan's 'Thug Life' fails to outperform 'Indian 2'". The Times of India. 12 June 2025. Retrieved 28 June 2025.
External links
- Official website
- Official website (ePaper)
- Commons:
