I&B Ministry Advisory to TV Channels: No 'Anti-National' Content, Use AI Responsibly
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Wednesday advised television news channels to ensure that their programmes do not promote communal disharmony or “anti-national attitudes”, to act against abusive or inflammatory remarks made on air, and to use artificial intelligence responsibly.
The advisory asks broadcasters to adhere strictly to the Programme Code prescribed under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, and the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994. It said the Inter-Departmental Committee, which examines complaints about television content, had observed that certain telecasts did not conform to these rules. “Inappropriate behaviour or language should not be normalised in telecasts,” the advisory said.
Such advisories restate obligations that channels are already required to meet under the existing Code; they do not, by themselves, create a new offence. The ministry, however, cautioned that violations may invite action under the Act.
Live operations and security coverage
The advisory said live coverage of anti-terrorist operations by security forces is prohibited. Coverage must be limited to periodic briefings by an authorised officer until an operation concludes. Where necessary, visuals should carry time stamps so that recorded footage is not mistaken for live coverage.
Graphic visuals and crime reporting
Channels have been asked to exercise caution, responsibility and editorial discretion while broadcasting graphic or disturbing visuals, and to avoid content that offends good taste or decency or causes unnecessary distress to viewers. Reporting must be fact-verified, truthful, balanced and responsible. While reporting crime or violence, deliberate falsehoods, suggestive innuendo and half-truths must not be telecast.
The ministry advised channels to avoid sensationalism, the glorification or normalisation of unlawful or socially undesirable conduct, and repeated looping of disturbing footage. Blurring or masking should be used wherever warranted, with extra care for visuals involving crimes against women and children.
Visuals of natural disasters and major accidents should also be time-stamped where necessary to prevent unnecessary public panic, and reporting should rest on verified facts, the advisory said.
Maps and panel discussions
Channels must 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.
Broadcasters have been advised to maintain editorial control through careful selection of participants and by sensitising them beforehand. They should take immediate remedial action — muting, disclaimers, interrupting or discontinuing the feed — to stop derogatory, abusive or inflammatory content.
Protecting victims
Channels must not reveal any direct or indirect details that could identify victims of sexual offences, including photographs, family details, locality, remote facts or other identifying information.
Use of artificial intelligence
On AI, the ministry said its use should remain assistive and must not compromise the accuracy, authenticity or sensitivity of news content. Broadcasters have been advised to strengthen editorial and content-review mechanisms, sensitise all personnel involved in news gathering, editing, production, transmission and telecast, and conduct regular workshops and training programmes on Programme Code compliance.
Context
The advisory does not define what would amount to an “anti-national attitude”. Media organisations have in the past sought clearer definitions of such terms, arguing that broad wording can leave room for subjective interpretation. The Programme Code applies to cable television; news carried on digital platforms is governed separately under rules framed under the Information Technology Act.
