Other steps

♤ Mandatory disclaimer and disclosure of interest and linkages with other industries.

♤ Separation of editorial and management and creation of redressal mechanisms.

♤ Developing media ranking framework and involving academic bodies and civil society in content monitoring.

♤ Formulating stringent guidelines for the news media on poll coverage.

♤ Discouraging government campaigns 6 months before elections and ensuring that advertisements are demarcated separately.

♤ Elevating standards of self-regulation by Press Council of India, News Broadcasting Standards Authority etc.

♤ Bringing media under the ambit of RTI or similar Act.

Also it is important to evolve a comprehensive policy on social media and online advertising so that these do not become a tool to avert democratic political functioning.