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Centre warns TV channels against airing anti-national content

The Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has directed satellite television channels to avoid live coverage of anti-terror operations and exercise caution while broadcasting visuals of violence

New Delhi: The Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has directed satellite television channels to avoid live coverage of anti-terror operations and exercise caution while broadcasting visuals of violence. The ministry has also warned channels against airing anti-national content.

The ministry has asked channels to strictly comply with the Programme Code under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, and the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994.

The ministry said it had observed violations of the Programme Code by several private satellite television channels. The Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC) had also reviewed instances in which multiple channels broadcast similar news reports and visuals on the same issues. The committee further recommended that inappropriate behaviour and language should not be normalised in television programmes.

The guidelines cover several areas, including live coverage of anti-terror operations, visuals of violence, crime reporting, coverage of natural disasters, the use of authoritative maps of India, communal harmony and the protection of the identities of sexual assault survivors.

The ministry also said programmes, including live discussions and panel debates, should not promote or propagate communal or anti-national views.

It has called for particular caution in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI in news programmes. The use of AI in graphics, virtual news presentations and other formats should not compromise the accuracy and authenticity of news or undermine the seriousness of the subject, the ministry said. The use of AI tools should also be restricted to specific purposes.

The ministry has further called for regular training for personnel involved in news gathering, editing, production and broadcasting, along with stronger editorial review mechanisms.

Channels violating the guidelines may face action under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, the ministry warned.

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