News Broadcasting
Indian news broadcasters fix reporting guidelines
NEW DELHI: Facing criticism following the Mumbai terror coverage, Indian news broadcasters have chalked out guidelines on reporting of such events.
The regulations, outlined by the News Broadcasters Association (NBA), cover a wide spectrum ranging from national security to accuracy and sting operations.
The new code says live interviews with terror suspects should not be aired by broadcasters. They should not disclose technical details of ongoing operations involving national security.
The guidelines were finalised after a meeting of NBA authority under the chairmanship of Justice (Retd) JS Verma held on 10 February.
The regulations also extend to coverage of issues relating to law and order and crime and violence. According to the guidelines, the content should not glamourise or sensationalise crime or condone criminal actions, including suicide.
Content should also not depict techniques of crime that may tempt imitation, especially with reference to terrorism and suicide. Reports on crime should not amount to prejudging or pre-deciding a matter that is, or is likely to be, sub-judice. And no publicity should be given to the accused or witnesses that may interfere in the administration of justice or be prejudicial to a fair trial.
Identities of victims should not be disclosed in cases of sexual crimes and violence on women and children. Close-ups of dead or mutilated bodies should not be shown, the guidelines state.
Violence must not be depicted solely for its own sake, or for its gratuitous exploitation or to pander to sadistic or other perverted tastes. Moreover, scenes with excessive violence or suffering such as close-up shots of persons being subject to brutality, torture or being killed and visual depiction of such matter should be avoided.
The guidelines specify that subjects promoting horror, supernatural, superstition, occultism, exorcism, divination, and the paranormal which may be frightening to children, should be avoided. And belief in superstition, occultism, exorcism, divination and the paranormal should not be promoted.
Regarding sting operations, the code states that it should only be conducted in public interest and when no other means is available to obtain the requisite information, without any illegality or inducement and subject to the legitimate right to privacy.
Broadcasters should resort to sting operations only if editorially justified, for exposing wrong-doing, particularly of the public facets of people in public life. Also no sting operation should be conducted except with the concurrence of the person overall in-charge of editorial function; and the Managing Director and/or the Chief Executive Officer of the broadcaster should also be kept fully informed of any sting operation. Further sting operations should be so conducted as to obtain ‘evidence’ of an offence but not to induce ‘commission’ of an offence.
The guidelines insist on providing privacy while reporting sensitive issues. For example, broadcasters should exercise discretion and sensitivity when reporting on distressing situations, on grief and bereavement. Also, people should not be featured in content in a manner that denigrates or discriminates against sections of the community on account of race, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation¸ occupation, religion, cultural or political beliefs. Content that would cause unwarranted distress to surviving family members, including by showing archival footage, should be avoided.
Additionally no information relating to the location of a person’s home or family should be disclosed without permission from the concerned person. Surreptitious recording of any person or event should only be made without committing any illegality and if editorially justified. And, finally, interviews of the injured, victims or grieving persons should be conducted only with prior consent of the persons or where applicable their guardian.
The guidelines also specify on how to report on sex and nudity and how to protect children’s interest while airing content which might disturb or alarm them.
News Broadcasting
BBC to cut up to 2,000 jobs in biggest overhaul in 15 years
Cost pressures and leadership change drive major workforce reduction plan
LONDON: BBC has unveiled plans to cut up to 2,000 jobs, roughly 10 per cent of its global workforce, in what marks its biggest downsizing in 15 years.
The announcement was made during an all-staff meeting led by interim director-general Rhodri Talfan Davies, as the broadcaster moves to tackle mounting financial pressures and reshape its operations.
Between 1,800 and 2,000 roles are expected to be eliminated from a workforce of around 21,500. The cuts form part of a broader plan to save £500 million over the next two years, aimed at offsetting rising costs, stagnating licence fee income and weaker commercial revenues.
In a communication to staff, BBC interim director-general Rhodri Talfan Davies said, “I know this creates real uncertainty, but we wanted to be open about the challenge,” acknowledging the impact the move would have across the organisation.
The restructuring comes at a time of leadership transition. Former director-general Tim Davie stepped down earlier this month, with Matt Brittin, a former Google executive, set to take over the role on May 18, 2026.
While some cost-cutting measures are being implemented immediately, the majority of the structural changes are expected to roll out over the next few years, with full savings targeted by the 2027–2028 financial year.
The broadcaster had earlier signalled its intent to reduce its cost base by around 10 per cent over a three-year period, warning of “difficult choices” as it adapts to shifting economic realities and audience expectations.
With operating costs hovering around £6 billion annually, the BBC’s latest move underscores the scale of the financial challenge it faces, as it balances public service commitments with the need for long-term sustainability in an increasingly competitive media landscape.
