New Delhi, Oct 21 : The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has issued a stern advisory to all private satellite TV channels, directing them to strictly adhere to the Programme Code prescribed under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, and the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994.
The advisory comes in the wake of the Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC) observing multiple instances of non-compliance, including broadcast of similar visuals across channels and telecasts that violate the spirit of statutory content regulations.
Emphasising the need for responsible journalism, the Ministry has laid down a series of strict directives, particularly concerning the coverage of sensitive events.
Regarding anti-terrorist operations, the Ministry reiterated that live coverage by security forces is strictly prohibited. Media coverage during such operations must be restricted to periodic briefings by authorised officers until the operation concludes. The Ministry noted that such visuals should be duly time-stamped to avoid misleading impressions of live coverage.
On the reporting of crime and violence, channels have been instructed to exercise due caution, responsibility, and editorial discretion. The Ministry warned against sensational reporting that may glorify or normalize unlawful behavior, and urged broadcasters to avoid excessive repetition or looping of disturbing visuals. Appropriate blurring and masking techniques must be used, especially when covering crimes against women and children.
To prevent unnecessary panic among viewers, the telecast of visuals involving natural calamities, disasters, and major accidents must be based on verified facts and duly time-stamped.
In a significant directive concerning national integrity, private TV channels are advised to use only authentic maps of India, as published by the Survey of India, across all telecasts, graphics, and digital representations.
Addressing the increasingly volatile nature of television debates, the Ministry mandated that programmes, including live debates and panel discussions, must not promote or encourage communal or anti-national attitudes. Broadcasters are required to exercise “adequate editorial control,” including careful selection and pre-sensitization of panellists. The Ministry warned that immediate remedial measures—such as muting, disclaimers, or discontinuing the feed—must be implemented to prevent the airing of derogatory, abusive, or inflammatory content.
Furthermore, the advisory strictly directed channels to adhere to Supreme Court directions and legal provisions regarding the non-disclosure of the identity of victims of sexual offences. This includes refraining from disclosing any direct or indirect particulars, photographs, or family details that may lead to the victim’s identification.
In a new stipulation addressing emerging technologies, the Ministry advised channels to exercise due caution while using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its tools, including Generative AI, for creating graphics or virtual news presentations. The Ministry stated that AI should be limited to an “assistive capacity without compromising the accuracy, authenticity, or sensitivity of the news content.”
To ensure continued compliance, broadcasters have been directed to strengthen their editorial and content-review mechanisms and conduct regular sensitization workshops for news gathering, production, and transmission teams.
The Ministry made it clear that adherence to these statutory obligations is essential, warning that any violation of the Programme Code will invite stringent action under the provisions of the CTN Act and its rules.
