The Press Council of India (PCI) has reported a significant increase in ‘paid news’ complaints during the 2024-25 period. According to official data, PCI recorded 290 cases in 2024-25 alone, marking the highest number of paid news incidents in print media to date.
Over the past four years, the total number of ‘paid news’ complaints received by the PCI is as follows:
- 2021-22: 74 complaints
- 2022-23: 76 complaints
- 2023-24: 28 complaints
- 2024-25: 290 complaints
This data indicates a substantial surge in the 2024-25 period, with the number of complaints increasing by approximately 937% compared to the previous year.
Notably, Rajasthan emerged as the state with the highest number of ‘paid news’ complaints. In 2021-22, the state accounted for 13 complaints, while in 2024-25, the number surged to 111.
In response to this alarming trend, the PCI has been actively advising print media outlets to adhere strictly to ethical journalism standards. The council has issued advisories cautioning newspapers against the publication of ‘paid news’ during elections and emphasizing the importance of maintaining journalistic integrity.
The sharp increase in ‘paid news’ cases underscores the need for stricter enforcement of journalistic ethics and regulatory measures to preserve the credibility of the media.-AirMedia Broadcast
