In an advisory issued on Wednesday, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting outlined several instructions for television broadcasters, emphasising the need for responsible journalism and measures to prevent content that could create social tension or convey misleading messages to viewers.
According to media reports, the ministry has stressed that television channels must take programme monitoring seriously, particularly during live debates and panel discussions. Anchors are expected to ensure that participants do not use abusive or inflammatory language. If a speaker makes an objectionable statement during a discussion, the channel must respond immediately, depending on the seriousness of the situation.
Broadcasters may mute the concerned speaker’s microphone, issue a disclaimer to clarify the situation for viewers, temporarily suspend the programme or discontinue the transmission altogether in serious cases. The government has emphasised that such measures are necessary to prevent inappropriate language and irresponsible behaviour from being normalised on television.
Advice Against Live Coverage of Counter-Terrorism Operations
The ministry has also advised television channels against broadcasting live coverage of counter-terrorism operations. Broadcasting unverified information or directly transmitting sensitive operational activities during such missions could create security-related complications.
Channels have therefore been instructed to exercise responsibility while reporting news and ensure that facts are verified before information is broadcast. The emphasis is on checking the credibility of information before transmission to prevent viewers from receiving false or misleading reports.
Instructions on Maps of India and the Use of AI
The advisory also addresses the use of maps of India in television broadcasts. The ministry has directed channels to use only maps of India approved by the Survey of India in their broadcasts, news reports and graphics.
It has also called for caution in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for preparing and presenting news. According to the ministry, AI tools should be used only as an aid and must not compromise the accuracy or credibility of news content. Broadcasters must ensure that the use of technology does not result in viewers receiving incorrect information.
Concerns Over Non-Compliance With Broadcasting Rules
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has reported instances in which programmes aired by certain private satellite television channels allegedly did not fully comply with the Programme Code prescribed under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, and the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994.
These provisions establish standards for television programming to ensure that broadcasts maintain responsibility and propriety.
The ministry issued the advisory following a meeting of the Inter-Departmental Committee constituted under the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021. The meeting discussed issues relating to television programmes and compliance with the applicable rules.
The committee emphasised that inappropriate behaviour and objectionable language should not be treated as normal during broadcasts. Television channels must take responsibility for their programmes and ensure compliance with the prescribed standards.
Channels Asked to Verify Facts Before Broadcasting News
The ministry has further instructed broadcasters to exercise caution when showing scenes involving violence, bloodshed or distressing visuals. News coverage should be presented in a manner that avoids causing unnecessary distress to viewers while taking their sensitivities into account.
For reports involving crime and violence, the ministry has stressed the importance of verifying facts before broadcasting information. Channels must maintain balance by considering both sides of a story, ensuring that individuals are not accused without evidence and that incomplete information does not create misleading impressions among viewers.
The advisory places responsibility on television broadcasters to strengthen editorial oversight across live discussions, news reports, graphics and the use of emerging technology. Compliance with the Programme Code and careful verification of information remain central to the ministry’s directions for preventing irresponsible broadcasting and reducing the risk of content that could mislead audiences or contribute to social tensions.
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