The Sampadak Express News Desk
The Information and Broadcasting Ministry on Wednesday issued an advisory to television news channels to ensure programmes do not promote communal disharmony or “anti-national” attitudes, to take immediate remedial action against abusive or inflammatory remarks, and to use artificial intelligence tools responsibly. The guidance was issued under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act and Rules, which include the Programme Code, The Hindu reported.
The advisory said an Inter-Departmental Committee had noted instances of telecasts not conforming to the Rules and stressed that “inappropriate behaviour or language should not be normalised in telecasts.” Channels were reminded that live coverage of anti-terror operations by security forces is prohibited; reporting during such operations must be limited to authorised briefings, with time-stamping of visuals where necessary to prevent them being mistaken for live feeds.
Broadcasters were told to exercise caution and editorial judgment when airing graphic or disturbing images, and to avoid content that offends good taste or decency or causes unnecessary distress. News reporting must be fact-verified, truthful, balanced and responsible. The Ministry said deliberate falsehoods, suggestive innuendos and half-truths must not be telecast when covering crime or violence.
The advisory asked channels to avoid sensationalism and any glorification or normalisation of unlawful or socially undesirable behaviour, as well as repeated looping of disturbing visuals. Where warranted, blurring or masking should be used, with extra care for content involving crimes against women and children.
For coverage of natural disasters, major accidents or similar incidents, the Ministry recommended time-stamping visuals where necessary to avoid causing unnecessary public alarm. Reporting in such cases should be based strictly on verified facts.
Broadcasters were instructed to use only authentic maps of India published by the Survey of India in telecasts, graphics and digital representations. Programmes, including live debates and panel discussions, must not promote communal or anti-national attitudes. Channels were advised to maintain editorial control through careful participant selection and pre-sensitisation, and to take immediate corrective steps—such as muting, adding disclaimers, interrupting or discontinuing feeds—to stop derogatory, abusive or inflammatory content.
To protect survivors of sexual offences, the advisory reiterated that channels must not disclose any direct or indirect details allowing identification, including photographs, family particulars, locality or other identifying information.
On the use of AI, the Ministry said it should remain an assistive tool and must not compromise the accuracy, authenticity or sensitivity of news content. It urged broadcasters to strengthen editorial and content review mechanisms, sensitise staff involved in news gathering and production, and conduct regular workshops and training on Programme Code compliance.
The Ministry cautioned that violations may invite action under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act.
