The Committee constituted by the Press Council of India, to consider the issue of the paid news in print and electronic media, is likely to submit its report to the Council by the end of this month. The Committee was mandated to prepare a blue print to deal with this serious issue. Responding to a calling attention motion by Mr. Sitaram Yechury and others, the Information and Broadcasting Minister Mrs. Ambika Soni, described the phenomenon of paid news a serious matter as it influences the functioning of a free press. Mrs. Soni said it could mislead the public and hamper their judgment to form a correct opinion. The Minister said that there is an urgent need to protect public's right to correct and unbiased information and called upon all sections of society to introspect as it has wide ranging ramifications on democratic structure. This is important in view of reports that owners of some media organizations have financial relationship with the advertisers. Mrs. Ambika Soni said that the Press Council of India has laid down guidelines on reporting of specific issues of public and national importance. Giving some instances of such reports the Minister hailed the step taken by some sections of media who have taken up the issue themselves. She said that Editors Guild of India and has also asked editors to desist from publishing any form of advertisement in news format. The issue is also highlighted in a seminar in near future organized by the Indian Women Press correspondents.<br/><br/>