Advisory To The Print Media On Paid News : Press Council Of India

News: A recent warning against “paid news” was released to the print media by the Press Council of India (PCI). It states that words made by any leader should not be misinterpreted or misquoted in the media.

 

Political news that is published in a rival publication with comparable content strongly implies that the news is paid for.

It is hardly accidental for two newspapers to publish the same news item verbatim on election days, and it is clear that such news items were published for consideration.

It suggests paid news when a news story or photograph is presented in a way that supports a specific party or candidate and includes a request to vote for that party.

India’s Press Council (PCI):

 

The First Press Commission, led by Justice J.R. Mudholkar, recommended that the Parliament establish the PCI, which it did in 1966.

The Press Council Act of 1978 governs how the current council operates.

In India, it is a statutory, quasi-judicial organization that serves as the press’s watchdog.

Checking media practices and monitoring press freedom are its main responsibilities.