MCMC to keep tab on paid news, fake news ahead of polls

Hailakandi, March 22:

A four-member district level Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) has been constituted to keep a close eye on paid news, fake news and advertisements influencing voters ahead of Lok Sabha elections.

The committee has been constituted as per the directions and action plan of the Election Commission of India.

District Election Officer, Hailakandi, Keerthi Jalli will be heading the MCMC as chairman with Additional Deputy Commissioner (Election) EL Faihriem, senior journalist, Nitish Bhattacharjee and District Information and Public Relations Officer, Sabir Nishat as members.

The committee has begun operations following election announcement and nomination filing. "The committee will keep a strict eye on news reports published or broadcasted by candidates in electronic, print and social media," said Jalli.

Pre-certification is mandatory for any political party or candidate to advertise in electronic media or e-papers. However, it is not mandatory for advertising in the print media.

Necessary training related to media management paid news, and advertisement certification was given to officials.