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Don’t publish election surveys without verification — PCI issues new advisory for newspapers

New guideline part of PCI’s updated Norms of Journalistic Conduct, edition 2020, which was uploaded to media watchdog’s website Friday. Also includes advisory on Covid reporting.

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New Delhi: The Press Council of India (PCI) has asked newspapers not to publish any “news survey” predicting the victory of a political party in elections without due verification.

The guideline is part of the PCI’s updated Norms of Journalistic Conduct, edition 2020, which was uploaded on the media watchdog’s website Friday. The updated guidelines also include advisories on reportage about the coronavirus pandemic.

The advisory on news surveys forms a new section in the watchdog’s norms on paid news. It reads, “Newspapers shall not publish any news survey predicting the victory of any political party without verification of it.” 

The new document retains the other sections on norms for paid news from earlier editions.

According to the PCI, paid news is any news or analysis appearing in any media (print & electronic) for a price in cash or kind as consideration. 

The definition has been accepted by the Election Commission. The PCI regularly receives a large number of complaints on paid news during elections.

India is scheduled to hold assembly elections in four states and one Union territory this year. Tackling paid news has been a major challenge for the Election Commission in conducting free and fair elections in the country.


Also read: Press Council says Indian media is responsible for verifying foreign content before publishing


Covid-19 guidelines

The updated guidelines introduce a section on Covid reportage and warn media outlets against creating panic with respect to the pandemic, the aim being to tackle fake news and rumours regarding the disease.

While reporting on the pandemic, journalists should avoid sensationalism and scaremongering, as well as language and images that could heighten anxiety, inflame tensions and create more panic among the public, the guidelines state.

The identity of people affected should be protected, and identifying names, images or other material cannot be used without the permission of the relevant people, it adds.

Journalists, it says, should be accurate with facts and should mitigate the spread of misinformation, and avoid rumours and speculation.

The guidelines add that journalists should always seek expert opinions — from medical professionals, scientists and other stakeholders with relevant credentials on Covid-19, as well as provide context, and point people to credible sources of information.

Among other things, it has urged caution with the use of maps showing case distribution, and advised against any kind of profiling. 

“Shall not attribute or repeat where the virus was generated such as geographic, community, race, religion or group of people etc. each time while reporting of new cases,” the guidelines state.

Media houses, the guidelines add, should provide journalists with PPE kits while they are on duty. If a journalist gets infected while on duty, their employers should ensure they are provided with proper health assistance and financial aid and proper leave for self-isolation. 

It has also asked journalists to take relevant precautions while recording interviews.

Constituted in 1966 as an autonomous, statutory, quasi-judicial body, the PCI serves as a watchdog for newspapers and news agencies of the country, with the power to censure outlets for violations.


Also read: Advisory to media on foreign content came after govt sought legal opinion, says PCI chief 


 

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