NEW DELHI, OCT 21: The Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has directed all private satellite television channels to strictly adhere to the Programme Code governing television broadcasts, warning that violations could invite action under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, and the rules framed under it.
The advisory underscores the government’s emphasis on responsible journalism, particularly while reporting anti-terror operations, crime, violence, communal issues, natural disasters and sensitive incidents. It also calls for stronger editorial oversight, protection of victims’ identities and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in news production.
The ministry issued the advisory after the Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC), constituted under the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021, observed that certain television broadcasts were not in conformity with the spirit of the Programme Code prescribed under Rule 6 of the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994. The committee also noted instances of multiple channels broadcasting similar news content and visuals on the same subjects.
Emphasising compliance in both letter and spirit, the ministry stated that inappropriate behaviour and language should not be normalised through television broadcasts. The advisory outlines eight key areas requiring particular attention from broadcasters, covering operational security, editorial responsibility, factual accuracy and the protection of individual rights.
Reiterating the restrictions under Rule 6(1)(p), the ministry reminded broadcasters that live coverage of anti-terror operations conducted by security forces is prohibited. During such operations, media coverage should be restricted to periodic briefings by an authorised officer until the operation concludes.
The ministry further advised channels to use appropriate time stamps on visuals wherever necessary to prevent recorded footage from creating a misleading impression of live coverage. It recalled that similar advisories had previously been issued on June 12, 2024, and April 26, 2025.
The restrictions seek to ensure that television coverage does not compromise operational security while allowing the public to receive verified information through authorised briefings.
The advisory calls upon television channels to exercise caution and editorial discretion while broadcasting violent, graphic or disturbing visuals. News coverage should be based on verified facts and presented in a balanced and responsible manner, without offending good taste and decency or causing unnecessary distress to viewers.
The ministry has cautioned against sensational reporting that glorifies or normalises unlawful and socially undesirable behaviour. Broadcasters have also been advised to avoid excessive repetition of disturbing footage and use blurring or masking wherever warranted.
Special care has been emphasised in reporting crimes involving women and children, particularly where the nature of the incident or the visuals could cause additional distress or compromise the dignity and privacy of those affected.
For coverage of natural calamities, disasters, major accidents and other significant incidents, channels have been advised to ensure factual accuracy and use time stamps wherever necessary. The objective is to prevent misleading impressions and unnecessary public panic arising from outdated or unverified visuals.
The ministry has directed broadcasters to use authentic maps of India published by the Survey of India in television programmes, graphics and digital representations.
It has also stressed the need for responsible coverage of communal issues and greater editorial control over live debates and panel discussions. Channels must ensure that such programmes do not promote communal or anti-national attitudes.
Broadcasters have been advised to exercise due diligence while selecting panellists and participants and to sensitise them appropriately before programmes go on air. Where necessary, corrective measures, including muting, disclaimers, interruption or discontinuation of the broadcast feed, should be employed to prevent derogatory, abusive or inflammatory content from being telecast.
The emphasis is on ensuring that television debates remain within the boundaries of responsible broadcasting and do not become platforms for inflammatory or divisive content.
The ministry has reiterated that broadcasters must strictly protect the identities of victims of sexual offences in accordance with applicable laws and Supreme Court directions.
Channels must not disclose direct or indirect identifying details, photographs, family information or other particulars that could lead to the identification of victims. The requirement places responsibility on broadcasters to ensure that news gathering, editing and presentation do not inadvertently expose protected identities.
The advisory has also addressed the growing use of artificial intelligence, including generative AI, in television programming, graphics and virtual news presentations.
The ministry has advised that AI tools should remain limited to an assistive role and must not compromise the accuracy, authenticity or sensitivity of news content. Their use must remain consistent with the requirements of the Programme Code.
Broadcasters have further been encouraged to strengthen internal editorial controls and content-review mechanisms. The ministry has called for greater awareness among personnel involved in news gathering, editing, production, transmission and telecast, with regular workshops and training sessions recommended to promote continued compliance.
Reiterating the importance of responsible broadcasting, the ministry has warned that non-compliance with the Programme Code may attract action under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, and the applicable rules.
The advisory reinforces the responsibility of private satellite television channels to balance timely news dissemination with operational security, factual accuracy, communal harmony, individual privacy and ethical standards.
The latest directions place renewed emphasis on editorial accountability, particularly in sensitive and high-impact reporting, while requiring broadcasters to strengthen safeguards against misleading visuals, sensationalism and the dissemination of unlawful or inflammatory content.
