The Silent Menace: Paid News And Its Threat To Democracy

Vilas Reddy S, LLM (Constitution and Administrative Law), School of Law, Christ (Deemed To Be University)

ABSTRACT

In the contemporary landscape of information dissemination, the pernicious influence of paid news quietly undermines the very essence of democratic principles. This paper endeavours to unravel the intricate web of consequences stemming from the proliferation of paid news, shedding light on its insidious threat to democracy. Paid news, characterized by its dissemination of biased or misleading information in exchange for financial gain, operates as a subtle yet potent tool for manipulating public opinion and subverting democratic processes. At its core, paid news distorts the integrity of democratic elections by skewing public perception and influencing electoral outcomes. Through strategic dissemination of tailored narratives and biased coverage, political actors and vested interests leverage paid news to manipulate voter sentiment and sway electoral results in their favor. Moreover, the complicit role of media conglomerates, driven by profit motives and corporate interests, exacerbates the spread of paid news, further eroding the credibility of democratic institutions.

Beyond its immediate electoral implications, paid news engenders broader societal repercussions that undermine the foundational principles of democracy. By perpetuating misinformation and sowing seeds of discord, paid news fuels societal polarization, deepening ideological divides and fracturing social cohesion. Moreover, the erosion of journalistic ethics and integrity perpetuated by paid news undermines the essential role of the media as a watchdog and guardian of democracy, thereby compromising the public's right to accurate and unbiased information. In confronting the silent menace of paid news, proactive measures are imperative to safeguard the integrity of democratic processes and uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and civic engagement. This necessitates comprehensive regulatory frameworks to combat the spread of paid news, promote media literacy and critical thinking, and foster a culture of transparency and accountability in media practices. By addressing the root causes and consequences of paid news, society can fortify its resilience against this

existential threat and reaffirm its commitment to the ideals of democracy.

Keywords: Paid News, Democracy, Influence, Misinformation, Manipulation, Electoral Integrity, Regulatory Frameworks, Transparency, Accountability, Civic Engagement, Media Literacy, Critical Thinking.