Paid News
Editorial coverage secretly purchased and presented as independent journalism.
Short answer
What is Paid News?
Paid news is content that appears as independent editorial coverage but has been paid for by a candidate or party without disclosure. It is treated by the Election Commission as an electoral malpractice and is countable against expenditure limits.
Definition
Paid news is content that appears as independent editorial coverage but has been paid for by a candidate or party without disclosure. It is treated by the Election Commission as an electoral malpractice and is countable against expenditure limits.
Why It Matters
It corrodes the information environment voters depend on, exposes candidates to ECI action, and is straightforwardly dishonest. Legitimate media relations earns coverage; paid advertising is disclosed as advertising.
Example in Indian Elections
Our Code of Ethics prohibits paying for editorial coverage in any form, and all advertising placed on behalf of clients is disclosed as such.
Related Terms
- Model Code of ConductECI guidelines governing party and candidate conduct once an election is announced.
- Silence PeriodThe 48 hours before polling closes when public campaigning is prohibited.
- Election Expenditure LimitThe statutory cap on what a candidate may spend on their campaign.
- Candidate AffidavitThe sworn declaration of assets, liabilities and criminal cases filed at nomination.
- DPDP Act 2023India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act, governing personal data processing.
- Polling BoothThe individual polling station where a defined group of voters casts their votes.