India, Nov. 17 -- Paid newsorpaid contentrefers to articles in newspapers, magazines, and electronic media that portray favourable conditions for the institutions that have paid for their publication. Such news resembles advertisements, but without the ad tag. This kind of news has long been considered a serious malpractice, as it deceives citizens by hiding the fact that what appears as news is actually an advertisement. Secondly, the payment modes often violate tax rules and election spending laws. More seriously, it raises electoral concerns because the media directly influences voters. Paid news is considered a form of corruption and is often seen during elections, and is used to unfairly benefit or harm a candidate's prospects.

Who ...