New Delhi, Oct. 21 -- The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Wednesday warned private satellite television channels against violating broadcasting rules, directing them to avoid live coverage of anti-terror operations, exercise caution while airing violent visuals and prevent programmes from promoting communal or anti-national attitudes. The ministry also advised broadcasters to restrict artificial intelligence (AI) tools to an assistive role in news production, cautioning that violations of the Programme Code could invite action under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995.
In its advisory, the ministry said it had observed instances of non-compliance with the Programme Code under the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994. An inter-departmental committee (IDC) also found similar news reports and visuals being broadcast by multiple channels on similar topics. The committee recommended strict compliance with statutory requirements and said inappropriate behaviour and language should not be normalised on television.
For debates and panel discussions, channels were asked to select panellists carefully and ensure that programmes do not encourage communal hostility or anti-national sentiments. Broadcasters were advised to use measures such as muting, disclaimers or discontinuing feeds to prevent abusive, derogatory or inflammatory remarks from being aired.
The ministry reiterated that coverage of anti-terror operations must be limited to periodic briefings by authorised officers until the operations conclude. Channels were also told to avoid sensationalising crime, exercise discretion while showing disturbing footage and refrain from repeatedly broadcasting violent visuals.
Coverage of disasters and major accidents should rely on verified information, with visuals time-stamped wherever necessary to prevent public confusion or panic. Broadcasters were further directed to use authentic maps of India published by the Survey of India.
The advisory also reminded channels to protect the identities of sexual offence survivors, including by withholding indirect details that could reveal their identities.
On AI use, the ministry said tools, including generative AI, may assist with graphics, virtual news presentations and other programmes, provided they do not compromise the "accuracy, authenticity or sensitivity" of news content.
Broadcasters were also asked to strengthen editorial review systems and regularly train personnel involved in news gathering, editing, production, transmission and telecast.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.