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March 28, 2013

Poll survey says, 'AAP to win' - news media buries the report without explaination










A news report on this link disappeared after being online for a few hours. Was there something wrong with the source? If yes, why didn't the publication do a story questioning the methodology of the source? Or at least provide a clarification for retracting the news update?

The report cited a survey done by this agency which predicts that majority of votes in the 2014 Delhi Elections will go to AAP. We have the google cache - so feel free to read it here.

This news features in google search results, and people who want to know more about the contents of this report might be unable to do so unless they know the link for the cache.

Though the news publication has removed this news report, this story continues to appear in the search result. Do you know why? It is likely that many people are clicking on the link to read the news story, and more this link is clicked on, google algorithms will recognize this as something that is widely read, and refuse to bury it down.



But there are several questions that this incident raises, but first of all, people must write to the editor of this online news portal demanding an answer. Additionally, it must be cross-checked whether http://news.oneindia.in/ is registered with Registrar of Newspapers of India or any other similar body that recognizes a news publication on internet. You can file an RTI application, or write to the Grievance Redressal. Such incidents must not be over-looked anymore. Newspapers/Magazines/Online publications  are bound to provide us with objective, unbiased information, and also answerable regarding the contents of a news story they publish or retract.

Another question is - does RNI only recognize "Newspapers and Magazines" or also "Online News Publications" - there is no information available online with respect to this. Every newspaper (print publication) comes with a registration number which can be cross-checked on the website of Registrar of Newspapers of India - what is the process for online news publications?

A suggestion to online news publications, newspapers and magazines - if you cannot provide objective news/information/analysis then start a blog.

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