The Delhi High Court's dismissal of Ashok Chavan's petition and, separately, the Press Council being told to put up its full report on ‘paid news' on its website by today promise many blushes for Big Media and platinum-tier politicians.
The Delhi High Court has handed both the political circuit and the media a ticking parcel with its judgment in the Ashok Chavan case. It shouldn't be long before we learn what's ticking. (What's not ticking is the media. Subdued quiet seems the norm.) The former Maharashtra Chief Minister had challenged the power of the Election Commission of India (ECI) to go into the truth or falsity of his 2009 poll expenses. Those proceedings in the ECI had gained infamy as the ‘paid news' case. A case which embarrassed major newspapers that had run scores of hagiographic full pages of ‘ news' on Mr. Chavan during his poll campaign. Pages without a single advertisement on them (The Hindu, November 30, 2009). And without so much as a mention of his rival in Bhokar constituency in Nanded.
Chief Justice Dipak Misra (since elevated to the Supreme Court) and Justice Sanjiv Khanna of the Delhi High Court dismissed Chavan's petition as being ‘devoid of merit.' In doing so, they upheld the jurisdiction of the ECI to probe the truth or falseness of poll accounts. This is crucial for the future (and for Mr. Chavan, right away). It should really worry the wealthy political elite who spend untold sums to win elections. No elected legislator or MP has ever been disqualified on grounds of excess expenditure. If such a precedent does emerge, the next elections could be riveting for entirely novel reasons. The more so with a galvanised ECI that won't roll over meekly in deference to power.
It's a double whammy. Not long before this judgment, the Central Information Commission (CIC) had ordered the Press Council of India (PCI) to unwrap its own ticking parcel. That is: the PCI's ‘paid news' report which it had suppressed under pressure from media bosses. After the ‘paid news' scandal surfaced, the Press Council under Justice G.N. Ray rightly set up a subcommittee to inquire into the racket. The committee comprising Paranjoy Guha Thakurta and Sreenivas Reddy produced an explosive 71-page report naming names, pointing fingers. Yet, it did this within all the norms and ethics that such an exercise demands.
The big guns of the media establishment struck back in a panic. The PCI buckled, burying its own report. It had a larger committee draft a 12-page version that dropped all references to the offenders. The final report reduced the original to a single footnote. It did not even include the real one as an annexure. Nor did it permit the authors to record a note of dissent. And the PCI never allowed the genuine report to be placed on its own website, though it paid lip service to the work of its authors. It stonewalled an RTI application from journalist Manu Moudgil seeking the full report. It was seeking legal opinion, it pleaded. Now the CIC, acting on Mr. Moudgil's complaint, has told the Press Council to put the full report up on its website by October 10.
Together, these two developments promise many blushes for Big Media. In the Delhi case, of course, Mr. Chavan could appeal to the Supreme Court on the matter. Unless that happens, the ECI can proceed with its probe and render a verdict. Others in Mr. Chavan's boat include former Jharkhand Chief Minister Madhu Koda. His accounts were in question, too. So we're not talking about just anyone, but two former chief ministers who won their elections. The platinum-tier political world has worries ahead. Money can't buy you everything, but it has bought a few elections.
Mr. Chavan's accounts are a delight. A kind of Gandhian manual on poll austerity. Read them and you know that Bhokar, Nanded is where you want to settle post-retirement. Things are so cheap. Mr. Chavan wrapped up his newspaper advertising within a frugal Rs.5,379. His entire poll campaign cost less than Rs.7 lakh. (The limit for an assembly constituency in Maharashtra that year was Rs.10 lakh). This included two public meetings where he brought down Bollywood megastar Salman Khan as the main attraction, drawing thousands of people. The first meeting cost a piffling Rs.4,440 and the second even less, only Rs.4,300. In both cases the main cost, more than a third of the total, was on the public address system. (But even Steve Jobs could not have got the audio done in Rs.1,500). The pandal top cost just Rs.200, hired sofas cost the same and Mr. Chavan spent no more than Rs.1,000 on setting up the stage. (See: The Hindu, November 10, 2010).
On December 2, 2009, Dr. Madhav Kinhalkar, Mr. Chavan's rival in the Bhokar poll, complained to the Election Commission. That is, two days after The Hindu's story on the amazing press coverage Mr. Chavan got during the polls. (“Is the Era of Ashok a new era for ‘ news'?” November 30, 2009). Dr. Kinhalkar's complaint focused on the latter's poll expenses and the huge number of full pages (many in colour) eulogising Mr. Chavan in large and powerful newspapers. Four dailies, asked by the ECI whether what had appeared on Mr. Chavan was news or paid-for, scorned all notions of paid news. It was all news, and balanced and fair at that, they said. The mere suggestion of payment was insulting. Their actions flowed from lofty journalistic values. Their letters to the ECI are clear and edifying.
Two Marathi papers pleaded proximity to the Congress. As the daily Pudhari argued in a five-page letter: “….every newspaper has its inclination towards a political party and Pudhari is no exception to that.” Yet, Pudhari is known not only for “its frank and candid views.” It is also known for “rising above political affiliation.” At election time, the daily stated, newspapers cover all events and give “due publicity.” The “only difference being the degree and extent of coverage depending on (the) Newspaper's political inclination as explained above.” Such publication “is at the behest of the readers on their demand to satisfy their curiosity.”
Lokmat candidly shared its aim in bringing out so many pages on Mr. Chavan. This was “to acquaint the people of Maharashtra about the achievements and developments of the Congress-led government in Maharashtra during its tenure under the present Chief Minister.” (Who had held that post for all of 11 months at the time). “The other factor that motivated us…is the alignment of our group's ideology with that of the Congress Party.” Mr. Chavan, for his part, contended that what had appeared in the press were “mere news items and are not advertisements.” The glowing articles on him were the outcome of the media's own assessments. He had neither control over, nor any role in that.
The Times Group (for Maharashtra Times) also trashed any notion of ‘paid news.' We are “a balanced and responsible corporate,” their letter asserted. “The said articles are neither sponsored nor paid articles.” They were “not published at the instance of any political party or advertising agency.” And “no monetary consideration” was involved. It was, then, just good old news all the way.
The shortest reply is a two-paragraph missive from the editor of Deshonnati. The key line: “the said publications were neither sponsored articles nor paid articles. It was a reflection of my individual perception.”
Their individual perceptions are at odds with the whole media scene portrayed in the suppressed PCI report. The Election Commission's own experience of poll coverage also seems to have been different. The Commission saw ‘ paid news' as a real threat and ordered creation of “district-level committees for scrutiny of paid news during election periods” after the 2009 polls. It even set up an Expenditure Monitoring Division within the ECI to deal with the challenge of abuse of money power (including ‘paid news') in elections. The Commission responded to complaints by Dr. Kinhalkar and others and wrestled with the complex issues thrown up by the paid news syndrome.
In April this year, Mr. Chavan went to the Delhi High Court, challenging the ECI's jurisdiction. The High Court judgment dismissing his petition has set the poll cat amongst the political pigeons. The CIC's order puts major sections of the media in a bind. Earlier, the ECI had to make do with the truncated 12-page report from the Press Council on paid news. Now it is entitled to receive the full 71-page version. And also, quite separately, to carry on from where it was interrupted in its proceedings. How does that phrase (perhaps wrongly attributed to the Chinese) go? “May you live in interesting times?” We sure will, fairly soon.
The Press Council of India (PCI) put up the full 71-page report on 'Paid News' on its website on Monday.
This is how you get there:
Go to http://presscouncil.nic.in/home.htm Click on "Report on Paid News" in the left side menu. Click on "Sub-Committee Report" (i.e. full 71-page version)
You can alternatively read the report from here. - Editor
Keywords: paid news, Press Council of India, paid news scandal, Ashok Chavan
P. Sainath should be appreciated for this eyeopening and well comprehensive article. Political parties are playing a blame game with people through paid news . People are gripped with despair from the highligh of scams like corruption, doping, paid news . This is high time cases involving these scams should be dealt with strictness so that one should think 100 times before playing with peoples emotions and money.
The brilliant piece by Mr.Sainath has succinctly painted the so-called 'Free Press' so truly and accurately that those 'bought' newspapers have lost all their respect in the people's minds.I am sure they and their sleaze will be fully exposed when the full PCI report is made public.One is reminded of the old adage,to wit,'Murder will out'.
This detailed account of paid news comes in the wake of Murdoch's media empire falling down and more accounts of political-administrative-businessmen nexus being the undercurrent of black money circulation in the country coming in the fray. Hope the action of Delhi High Court acts as an eye opener for all those who have been indulged in nefarious activities and do the things for which they are actually there - to serve the people. The PCI's action of putting up the document on their website, nevertheless after the rap by HC, is a positive way forward
Again Mr. P.Sainath has raised the pertinent matter and has provided insights to the ill and hidden acts that are happening in the democracy of India.There is no doubt that Elections won by money-power means are a big blow to democracy and act as impediments, when we talk bout the free and fair electoral process in a democracy as prescribed in our constitution.But more worrying is the role of Media who instead of acting as a caretaker on behalf of citizens and acting as an independent voice to strengthen the pillars of democracy is actually bolstering the shoulders of Corrupt olitician.Thanks, to Election commission and CIC commissioner, we have the initial report on PCI website!
Some one hoped - it's a temporary aberration - but it is not, I do not know about other parts of India, but, there are reasons to believe, that it is regularly happening in print and electronic media in West Bengal, it should not be called anymore - MEDIA - we whould start calling it as - PH ( publicity house )
Paid news and corruption in the fourth state is threatening the very foundations of our democracy. PCI should have have released the report initially and taken corrective measures, instead it chose to buckle under the pressure of big media houses.One hopes that after the Chief Information Commissioner's order real truth about the nexus between politicians and media houses will come out.
Few days ago i was reading in a punjabi newspaper that indo-canadians have also introduced paid news concept in canada during the recent elections and candidates of canadian origin have also taken to it
The two judges must be congratulated for their judgement in view of the present scenario of manipulated and paid news items
Let us hope that the judgement of Delhi High Court puts an end to paid news and unethical journalism. Paid news is the worst form of corruption and newspapers should not behave like ad-papers.At the time of elections there should be a complete ban on news,articles and ads in newspapers and electonic media to highlight a particular political leader or party.Debates can be organised through electronic media for different political parties and paid news should be totally banned.
Can Hindu acquire the report and make it available on its site?
There is no report on PCI site yet. Should it be taken as contempt of court?
Kudos for reporting the matter to highlight the matter to the interested public
The lead story by Sri. P.SAINATH is in his usual matter-of-fact analysis with a pungent on the goings-on. It educates readers. In response to this, the views of commentator Shri.Miland is particularly relevant. May you live in interesting times? We sure will; fairly soon.
If there is one thing in the Indian media which we can really proud of that is The Hindu for sure. I express my earnest thanks to Mr.P.Sainath and The Hindu for publishing this immensely important article. The paid news phenomena has shamed our Indian media, regarded as the fourth pillar of democracy. It is also surprising that recommendation of Press Council is only limited to the print media. For electronic media there is no such regulatory bodies to judge the ethical issues.
Looks like only The Hindu cares about paid news. Coz not a single paper or channel other than The Hindu has mentioned this news. Thnx and congrates to the Hindu team for the same.
There are numerous such paid-news in India in different parts of the country which don't come to public view. The Hindu has done a "noble journalism by reporting the event. As presumably there is a promising case against Mr. Chavan, I would like to see a genuine punishment to him and the concerned news paper, which may be exemplary for the wealthy-opportunist political aspirants and dishonest media, being the first one of its kind.
Brilliant! Sainath's mild sarcasm and playful style are extremely entertaining. At this juncture, one must salute the Election Commission of India. When corruption has run amok in public and corporate life, the ECI has been a beacon of hope, and an example of moral rectitude. Lest we forget the ECI's refusal to tolerate election bribing in TN. We would all be grateful if the Hindu could inform us when the PCI publishes the full report on paid news on their website. It was always crucial to name and shame publicly. One can only hope that the PCI has not 'accidentally' destroyed the report. Let the truth be told and the guilty, punished!
Its sadening to see media corporates colluding to suppress this exposure. Hats off to The Hindu and Mr. Sainath for bringing this out and keeping it alive even after years. Our only hope is the court and the ECI which can bring these people to book.
The Hindu has always outshined other media houses and this aricle is the excellent example for the same. But I am a bit critical to make this statement for all news groups. A newspaper does not print a obituary statement free of cost how could one expect them to print a full page in praise of a politician. The political inclination is just a step to make mockery of the public. Indian mass is well versed with the media-politics nexus. Both almost work hand in hand. This can be inferred from the recent arrival of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, back in country. There was no media coverage. Hope the media lives up to its name and become free of its political commitments!!!!
Brilliant Article!! This has really piqued my curiosity. I am eagerly waiting for "The Hindu" to publish the report of the press council on its front page, in big letters.
Refreshingly insightful coverage as usual from 'The Hindu' and Mr. Sainath. I don't think the PCI website must have got as many hits ever as it is getting. But they disappoint us, by not putting up the report.
Thanks for making common indian like me proud of India. For showing there still is democracy and voices are still being heard. And not that money is everything.
The report is not yet on the PCI website.
Now a days media is lacking self restraint. This is more prominent in electronic media though press is also getting influenced. Another thing is they are not able to come out of unreasonable prejudice while reporting. This is more predominant when certain persons or political parties are involved. Take of examples of Rahul Gandhi or Narendra Modi. It is right for Congress to project Rahul as their leader even if projection is disproportionate to his contribution and image. But when media does, it is obviously favoring Congress party. There are thousands of alike of Rahul who will probably never get that kind of exposure because they are not son of Sonia Gandhi. While reporting I hardly see the true person’s value and news value and also all facts of the matter are taken in to account. That is giving certain advantage or disadvantage to some of the persons at the cost of credibility of Media. Is this right for media to do?
Paid News is part of Corruption to which society, at large, has fallen. We need to reinstate moral value by a bit of sacrifice in our consumption. Simple living should be lauded and promoted instead of TV/Movie driven wasteful life.
Brilliant and factual, as always, Mr. Sainath. Has this development found a mention anywhere else?
Paid news has taken different persona in media industry. Now most media publish a news or articles on front or third page readers read them as genuine article and blindly believed it.News or article are most reliable than advertizement. This really cheating manipulating but most media are on deathbed for survive they can do anything.It is now responsibility of readers to judge every news with critical mind otherwise they will cheated every where
The full report is still not available on the website so obviously the PCI is ignoring the CIC order.
Whether or not some reports and comments in both print and electronic media in the country are paid for by political parties, business houses or other interested people and groups,readers and listeners can clearly see that these are meant to promote the interests of the Congress-led government. The UPA government is making a mess of every thing, whether it be the corruption in high places, unprecedented price rise, Telangana problem, protests against nuclear power plants, the nuclear deal itself, insurgency by Naxalites and some others groups or some of the many oher issues. But the media glosses over these and concentrates on the perceived wrongdoings of opposition parties or civil activists.The outpourings of a significant section of the mainstream media read or sound like comments and messages from the Congress party. Are reasons for this purely altruistic?
This matter will go to Supreme Court. Hopefully not much time will be wasted there and this judgement sets a precedent for upcoming elections. These above mentioned newspapers are bereft of any ideals, journalistic quality and survive on low cost and distribution reach. But they are not worth being called newspapers, just plain ad papers. And may "The Hindu" continue to flourish for decades more to come.
Thanks Sainath for your lead story in Hindu about saga of paid news!Owners of big newspapers except a few are shameless.And owners have connived with power-that-be to supress the Press Council of India(PCI)report on paid news menace,which would prove most dangerous for the freedom of press and expression in country.Both the government and the owners of big newspapers except few are creating havoc to supress facts and have to great extend succeeded in pressurising PCI not to release original report,drafted by a sub-committee,comprising Pranjoy Guha and Sreenivas Reddy on directiveof chairmanof PCI justice GN Ray.Election commission of India(ECI)has also exposed the nefarious design of ex-CM of Maharashtra Ashok Chavan for involvement in paid news.DelhiHC has also justified action of ECI and Central information commission has also directed PCI to put the report on its website immediately.These developments augur well and bring facts to light!
Sainath could also consider doing a piece on "Paid silence". He could consider starting with an analysis of the absence of coverage in a couple of south Indian publications, especially newspapers!
Paid news is a disease in in itself. It not only affects the pillars of a democracy but also erodes the confidence, people have in the media as the media is meant to show the truth in a candid and unbiased manner when it comes to electoral polls. What we can do now is let law take its due course and wait meanwhile we must surely laud the role of the Election Commission for being so strong and professional in carrying out its duties without fear or favour. Surely, this case will set an example for the future political bigwigs, they must learn that money is not the only thing required to win an election.
In my views there should be a ban on any type of
news/articles/advertisements in newspapers related to any politician or
any political party at the time of elections or I should say as the code
of conduct takes effect. Newspapers should not be allowed to express
even their individual perceptions on any political party at that time.
Kudos the Indian Judiciary. Kudos The Hindu and to Sainath again for resurrecting the pay-to-print saga & calling a spade a spade. THE REMNANTS OF ETHICAL MEDIA IN INDIA , SHOULD NOW JOIN HANDS & FIGHT FOR PAID NEWS TO BE TOTALLY BANNED. Paid news is the gravest threat to Indian society and Indian democracy . If INDIA SHINING is being shown on the 200 odd TV channels and in most newspapers / magazines, over the past few years , it is a conspiracy by the Corporate backed Polticians and Corporate owned MEDIA; most un-worthy politicians allowed to rule , unethical propaganda by the modern media is the most viral and dangerous flu in India.
Should corruption be disguised with euphemisms like paid news ?
A shame for the much hyped Free Press in India. Think also of the Radia tapes which exposed the black sheep among India's top journalists. I thank God for Hindu for shining as the silver lining on the dark horizon Keep us the good work of exposing and informing the public.
Sainath, as usual, does not disappoint. But wouldn't it be easier to link the earlier Hindu articles instead of asking the readers to search them on Hindu archives ?
Very brilliant assessment by Mr. Sainath. He always leads by an example. No other newspaper has courage to run this report. Very nice, very good !!
This Judgment of the Delhi High Court will not only put an end to paid-News but also unethical journalism of the Media big and small. Politicians cannot win elections by buying the Media Bosses. I hope that ECI and PCI ( headed by Justice Markandey Katju ) could bring in a fantastic electoral reform. MPs and MLAs could be disqualified if they purchase the Media and the unethical media will get exposed and cannot sell their news. Paid- News is being used to win an election not only by highlighting achievements but also by mudslinging and biased reporting of the opponent.Our Media should emulate the model of the Campaign by the Presidential Candidates in USA. The Electronic Media could follow our Doordarshan by allotting Time during Prime Hours for the Major Political parties. All right thinking people are eagerly awaiting the publication of the 71 page report of the Paranjoy Guha and Sreenivasa Reddy Committee in PCIs web- site. Paid-investigation by media should also be probed by PCI
In India, newspapers are not in such dire straits as in USA. Even then the newspapers do not cross the line so blatantly and publish just paid news! Of course there are some who flaunt their opinions in print as well as in electronic media, as facts, thereby denying a certain percentage who are addicted such sections of the media,the opportunity to study and decide. These newspapers are known as partisan. It is disgusting to have newspapers, for the sake a few pennies, mortgage their inherent responsibility. A free press means a Press that is not only free to express what is good for the country and society, criticize or praise where deserving, and exposing wrong doings, i.e corruption, nepotism, breaking rules etc. When once the Press takes money for "news" it is no longer a newspape and is only a pamphlet for the highest bidder. The oldest profession moving from flesh to paper! One fondly hopes, fervently prays and eagerly expects it is only a temporary aberration!
Please Email the Editor