Final Cover Election Expenditure - Election Commission of India

ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIANirvachan Sadan, Ashoka Road, New Delhi-110001Annexure-45No.491/Media Policy/2010/ Dated: 23 rd September, 2010ToThe Chief Electoral Officers ofAll States and UTsSubject: Measures to check Paid News during elections i.e. advertising in the garbof news in mediaSir,In continuation of the Commission’s letter No.491/Media/2009, dated 8 th June, 2010, on thesubject cited, I forward herewith a copy of the report of the Press Council of India No. PR/2/1011 dated30 th July, 2010.2. The following parts of the Report are for particular attention and necessary action:(a)(b)The Press Council of India has defined paid news as “any news or analysis appearing inany media (Print and Electronic) for a price in cash or kind as consideration.”The Council has highlighted its own guidelines of 1996 at page 8 to 10 of the Reportenclosed with the letter. Para 1 of the guidelines refers that “newspapers are notexpected to indulge in unhealthy election campaigns, exaggerated reports about anycandidate/party or incident during the elections. While reporting on actual campaign, a anewspaper may not leave out any important point raised by a candidate and make anattack on his or her opponent.” Similarly, para 5 specifically refers that “Press is notexpected to indulge in canvassing of a particular candidate/party. If it does, it shallallow the right of reply to the other candidate party.” Thus, any departure from theabove guidelines should make a case for prima facie investigation of paid news.3. Others parts of the Report are for information. Specific action, if any, is being taken by theCommission.4. As regards the constitution of the district level committee for scrutiny of Paid News duringelection periods, the same shall be composed of following officers:i. DEO/Dy DEOii DPROiii Central Govt. I & B Ministry official (if, any in the district)iv Independent citizen/Journalist as may be recommended by PCI158