India’s Information & Broadcasting (I&B) and Print Media sector has garnered ₹5,408 crore in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) equity inflows in 2024, according to data from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Statistical Handbook on Media & Entertainment Sector 2024-25.
While this figure represents a decrease from the ₹7,211 crore recorded in 2023, it remains significantly higher than the FDI levels seen during the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021, indicating a sustained global interest in India’s dynamic media and entertainment landscape.
A key highlight of the 2024 FDI trend is the strong resurgence of the radio broadcasting segment, which attracted ₹3,853 crore – its highest inflow since 2016, when it drew ₹8,157 crore. The film and advertisement segment also remained a significant contributor, attracting ₹1,555 crore in FDI during the same period.
In contrast, the electronic media and print media sectors reported no FDI inflows for the second consecutive year.
Despite the robust absolute inflow figures, the I&B and Print Media sector’s contribution to the total FDI equity inflows across all sectors in India has seen a slight decline. In 2024, the sector accounted for 1.22% of the overall ₹4,48,831 crore in FDI, down from 2.11% in 2023, when it attracted ₹7,211 crore against a total FDI of ₹3,41,391 crore.
Over the past decade, the I&B sector has experienced fluctuating investment trends. 2016 remains the most successful year with ₹11,501 crore in total inflows. Following a sharp dip in 2021 to ₹1,773 crore due to pandemic-related disruptions, FDI gradually recovered, with 2023 marking a post-pandemic high, primarily driven by a ₹6,248 crore investment in the film and advertisement segment.
Experts suggest that the increasing digital consumption across various platforms and languages will likely steer future FDI towards content intellectual property, regional storytelling, and media-tech integrations. For Indian media houses, aligning with these trends through co-productions, strategic partnerships, and FDI-compliant digital properties will be crucial in attracting the next wave of foreign investment.
Key Highlights:
- India’s I&B and Print Media sector attracted ₹5,408 crore in FDI in 2024.
- The radio broadcasting segment saw a strong rebound, attracting ₹3,853 crore, the highest since 2016.
- The film and advertisement sector contributed ₹1,555 crore in FDI.
- Electronic and print media reported no FDI inflows for the second consecutive year.