Speaking at a media workshop on 'Electoral Process', Akshay Raut, Director General, ECI, said self-regulation was key for media organisations to find an answer to the paid news problem. “But self-regulation is not happening across media houses. Newsmen should not allow vitiated paid news to suffocate the election atmosphere,” he said.
Raut admitted that tackling paid news was a complex job. Though there were circumstantial evidences against such offences, there have been problems in collecting clinching evidences. Also, tackling money power during the Assembly polls would be a challenge.
However, with comprehensive expenditure measures, surveillance teams, quicker response to complaints, strict monitoring of various types of inducements and cash movements, the Election Commission is ready to conduct free and fair elections, he said.
Raut said the media should have clarity on the guidelines issued by the Election Commission while covering polls. “We have already received complaints about certain candidates or parties getting special coverage in the form of paid news. There is a clear-cut rule on this and the media should ensure this is followed strictly,” he said
Chief Electoral Officer (CEO)?Anil Kumar Jha said the media should ensure they present objective facts in their poll analysis. Distortion in poll analysis will confuse voters, he said.
One of the special invitees from the media said tackling paid news and related issues was yet to sink in in the minds of many journalists and there needs to be more clarity in this regard.
“We are in a situation where television channels and publishing houses are owned by politicians and there are no proper guidelines to monitor them during elections. Marketing teams in media organisations design strategies that have to be followed by the editorial staff,” he said.
M K Ponnappa, chairperson, Karnataka Media Academy, said media's role was very crucial during every general election and new challenges need to be dealt with carefully.
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