A barely disguised front-page ad in today’s Daily News & Analysis (DNA), the joint venture between Zee News and Dainik Bhaskar, on the “paid news” syndrome that has gained enormous traction in recent weeks.
The Hindu exposed the discrepancy between the Maharashtra chief minister’s ad expenditure and news coverage; The Indian Express did a two-part series on the institutional transgressions; and Outlook* has a cover story.
* Disclosures apply
Also read: Pyramid Saimira, Tatva & Times Private Treaties
Times Private Treaties gets a very public airing
SUCHETA DALAL: Forget the news, you can’t believe the ads either
Does he who pays the piper call the tune?
SALIL TRIPATHI: The first casualty of a cosy deal is credibility
Selling the soul? Or sustaining the business?
PAUL BECKETT: Indian media holding Indian democracy ransom
Does he who pays the piper call the tune?
PRATAP BHANU MEHTA: ‘Indian media in deeply murky ethical territory’
The scoreline: Different strokes for different folks
A package deal that’s well worth a second look
ADITYA NIGAM: ‘Editors, senior journalists must declare assets’
17 December 2009 at 10:32 am
The DNA ad is complete bullshit. In Goa DNA is looking for journalists who can also bring ads. Interviewees were clearly told that they would be given advertisement targets to achieve every quarter.
I am sure DNA under Subash Chandra wants to implement this practice in other cities as well.
21 December 2009 at 8:23 am
Over the years, there has been a steady erosion in quality of journalism in our country. With technology, our new generation torch bearers have little regard for either ethics or relationships. I was shocked to hear a journalist talking to a public relations guy in the tone of a space marketing person. What a pity!!!
23 February 2011 at 12:25 am
I think we should encourage DNA at least for talking about “paid news” syndrome. Others are meekly following the leader (i.e. TOI).