New Delhi, Oct 21 (KNS): The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has issued a sweeping advisory to all private satellite television channels, directing strict adherence to the Programme Code under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, warning that violations will invite statutory action.

The advisory accessed news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) follows observations by the Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC) that recent telecasts—including the broadcast of similar visuals across multiple channels—have not conformed to the spirit of the Programme Code prescribed under Rule 6 of the CTN Rules, 1994. The Ministry also flagged that inappropriate behaviour and language are increasingly being normalized on air.

In a series of specific directives, the Ministry as per KNS has told broadcasters that live coverage of anti-terrorist operations by security forces is strictly prohibited. Coverage during such operations must be restricted to periodic briefings by authorized officers until the operation concludes, and visuals must be time-stamped to prevent any misleading impression of live coverage.

Channels have also been directed to exercise "due caution, responsibility, and editorial discretion" while telecasting violent, graphic, or disturbing visuals. The Ministry warned against sensational reporting that may glorify or normalize unlawful behaviour, and mandated the use of blurring or masking techniques, particularly in cases involving crimes against women and children.

Addressing the increasingly fraught nature of prime-time television, the advisory stated that programmes, including live debates and panel discussions, must not promote communal or anti-national attitudes.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelBroadcasters have been instructed to exercise adequate editorial control—including the careful selection and pre-sensitization of panellists—and to implement immediate remedial measures such as muting, disclaimers, or discontinuing the feed if derogatory or inflammatory content is aired.

The Ministry further reiterated that channels must strictly adhere to Supreme Court directions regarding the non-disclosure of the identity of victims of sexual offences, including refraining from revealing indirect particulars, photographs, or locality details that could lead to identification.

In a notable addition addressing emerging technology, the MIB as per KNS has advised channels to exercise caution while using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its tools, including Generative AI, for creating graphics or virtual news presentations. The Ministry stated that the use of AI tools must be limited to an "assistive capacity without compromising the accuracy, authenticity, or sensitivity of the news content."

Channels have also been directed to use only authentic maps of India, as published by the Survey of India, and to base disaster and accident reporting on verified facts to prevent public panic.

Broadcasters have now been instructed to strengthen their editorial and content-review mechanisms and conduct regular sensitization workshops for their production and transmission teams. The Ministry made it clear that adherence to these statutory obligations is mandatory. (KNS).