Panel to look into paid news issue

Hyderabad, July 23 :-

The Press Council of India (PCI) on Thursday  announced the setting up of a committee, comprising Mr Paranjoy Guha Thakurta and Mr K Srinivas Reddy, to probe the practice of paid news observed during the  recently concluded General Elections this year.

Voicing  concern over the phenomenon that could cause a double jeopardy to the Indian democracy through influence on the press functioning and on free and fair elections, the Council constituted a  committee based on the inputs received from the PCI members and others.

The PCI had given the freedom to the  committee to co-opt members from media, if necessary.

In pursuance of the mandate given to the Council by Parliament, it was incumbent upon the statutory authority to examine the matter in all its dimension through studies and debates to maintain the faith of public in the media and make appropriate recommendations, a press release from the Council said.