News Broadcasting
MIB had directed news channels to exercise restraint in Mumbai terror coverage: Sharma
MUMBAI: Keeping in mind the public interest and interest of national security, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting had directed all the news and current affairs TV channels to ensure that the coverage of the incidents relating to the recent terrorists attack in Mumbai does not focus on or report the location, strength, movement strategy or any related operations being followed by the security forces engaging with the terrorists as it may jeopardize their position.
The channels had also been directed that close-ups and images of blood or seriously wounded or disfigured limbs or bodies or images of dead or seriously wounded people which may seriously distress a substantial number of viewers or cause panic and incite further violence, may not be carried.
The News Broadcasters Association has prescribed its own self-regulation guidelines and has agreed to incorporate an ‘Emergency Protocol’ to supplement these guidelines to address such concerns.
This information was given by Minister of State for External Affairs and Information & Broadcasting, Anand Sharma in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
Meanwhile, the Minister said no time limit could be given for implementation of the report of the Committee set up by the Government to review the existing Programmes and Advertisement Codes prescribed under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 to containing the adverse effect of programmes and advertisements on viewers, specially children.
The Committee has already submitted its report. This report is available on the website of the Ministry www.mib.nic.in under the heading “Self Regulation Guidelines 2008”.
The Minister also said the Inter-Ministerial Committee on specific violations of the Programme and Advertising Codes prescribed under the Cable Act can either suo motu or on receipt of complaints look into the violations and, thereafter, give its recommendations to the Government, based on which action is taken.
The Minister informed Parliament that under Rule 7(9) in the Advertising Code of the Cable Networks Rules, 1994, the Code for Self Regulation adopted by Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has been given due recognition.
News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 to host Fury in the Gulf conclave on West Asia crisis
Three-hour summit to unpack geopolitical fallout and impact on India
MUMBAI: CNN-News18 is set to host a special three-hour broadcast, Fury in the Gulf – War Conclave, on April 7, aiming to decode the escalating West Asia crisis and its far-reaching implications for India.
Scheduled from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, the conclave comes at a time when tensions between Iran and the United States are reshaping global geopolitics and triggering economic uncertainty. With India’s deep energy ties, trade links and large diaspora in the Gulf, the developments carry significant domestic relevance.
Built around the theme ‘Conflict, Consequences, and The Future,’ the programme will feature six curated sessions combining one-on-one interviews and panel discussions. The focus is to cut through the clutter and offer viewers a clearer understanding of the fast-evolving situation.
Key sessions include ‘Diplomacy in Times of War’ featuring Shashi Tharoor, and ‘World After the Iran Conflict’ with voices such as Ram Madhav, Reuven Azar, representatives from the European Union and the Iranian Deputy Envoy. Another session titled ‘Another Dunkirk?’ will bring together K. J. S. Dhillon and Jitin Prasada among others.
CNN-News18 editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar said, “In times of war, clarity becomes the most powerful tool. Fury in the Gulf – War Conclave brings together credible voices to address the questions and confusion that arise amid an overwhelming influx of information.”
He added that the initiative is aimed at delivering “facts, perspective, and insight” at a time when misinformation can easily cloud public understanding.
Echoing the sentiment, CNN-News18 CEO– English and business news Smriti Mehra said the conflict marks a defining global moment, with consequences that extend well beyond the region. She noted that the conclave seeks to present the crisis with “depth, nuance and responsibility” so audiences can better grasp its real-world impact.
As geopolitical tensions continue to dominate headlines, the conclave positions itself as an attempt to bring order to the noise, offering viewers a structured, insight-led look at a complex and rapidly shifting global situation.
