MIB warns TV channels against Programme Code violations in fresh advisory

MUMBAI: When it comes to television news, the line between breaking news and breaking the rules can be a fine one. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has issued a fresh advisory to private satellite television channels, calling for strict adherence to the Programme Code and warning against sensational reporting, disturbing visuals, inappropriate language and the misuse of artificial intelligence in broadcasts.

The advisory, issued on 21 October 2026, reiterates broadcasters’ obligations under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, and the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994. The ministry said it had observed instances of non-compliance with the prescribed Programme Code across private satellite television channels.

It also referred to observations made by the Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC), constituted under the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021. The committee found that telecasts on various channels did not always conform to the spirit of the Programme Code under Rule 6 of the 1994 Rules. It also observed instances of similar news and visuals being broadcast across multiple channels on the same topics.

The ministry said broadcasters must comply with the rules in both letter and spirit, emphasising that inappropriate behaviour and language should not be normalised through television broadcasts. The latest advisory sets out seven areas requiring particular attention, covering everything from reporting on security operations and violent incidents to the use of maps, communal debates and AI tools.

One of the key areas concerns coverage of anti-terrorist operations. Under Rule 6(1)(p), live coverage of such operations by security forces is prohibited. Media coverage during these operations must be restricted to periodic briefings by an authorised officer until the operation concludes.

The ministry said visuals from such operations should be appropriately time-stamped wherever necessary to avoid creating a misleading impression of live coverage. It also referred to earlier advisories dated 12 June 2024 and 26 April 2025 on the subject.

The advisory also calls for greater editorial discretion when broadcasting violent or disturbing visuals. Channels have been asked to exercise due caution and responsibility to ensure that such material does not offend good taste or decency, as required under Rule 6(1)(a), and does not cause unnecessary distress to viewers.

Crime and violence reporting has received particular attention. The ministry said telecasts of crime-related scenes should be based on verified facts and truth, with reporting carried out in a balanced and responsible manner. Broadcasters must avoid deliberate falsehoods, suggestive innuendos and half-truths, while sensational coverage that glorifies or normalises unlawful or socially undesirable behaviour should be avoided.

The advisory also calls for restraint in the repeated broadcasting of disturbing visuals. Channels have been advised to avoid excessive repetition or looping of such footage and to use appropriate blurring or masking techniques wherever warranted to protect viewers’ good taste and decency.

These requirements build on the ministry’s earlier advisory dated 9 January 2023, which asked channels to strengthen their systems and practices for reporting incidents involving crime, accidents and violence, including deaths. The latest communication also stresses due diligence when covering crimes against women and children, with broadcasters expected to comply with Rules 6(1)(k) and 6(1)(l) of the Programme Code.

Coverage of natural calamities, disasters and major accidents or incidents is another area highlighted by the ministry. Channels have been advised to time-stamp visuals wherever necessary and ensure that reporting is based on verified facts, in accordance with Rule 6(1)(d), to avoid causing unnecessary panic among viewers.

The ministry referred to its earlier advisories dated 9 August 2024 and 18 November 2025, which had also emphasised these requirements.

The advisory further addresses the use of maps in television broadcasts. To uphold the integrity of India’s national map, private satellite television channels have been advised to use only authentic maps of India, as published by the Survey of India, in their telecasts, graphics and digital representations. The requirement is set out under Rule 6(1)(h).

Communal harmony and debate programmes have also been flagged. Under Rules 6(1)(c) and 6(1)(e), programmes must not promote communal attitudes or anti-national sentiments, respectively. The ministry has asked channels to ensure that live debates and panel discussions do not promote or encourage such attitudes.

Broadcasters have been advised to exercise adequate editorial control, including careful selection and pre-sensitisation of panellists and participants. Where necessary, channels should use immediate remedial measures such as muting, disclaimers, interruptions or discontinuation of the feed to prevent derogatory, abusive or inflammatory content from being aired.

The ministry reiterated its earlier advisory dated 8 June 2023 on the subject, underscoring that live programming does not remove a broadcaster’s responsibility to comply with the Programme Code.

The identity of victims of sexual offences is another area where the ministry has called for strict compliance. Channels must follow the repeated observations of the Supreme Court and applicable legal provisions prohibiting the disclosure of victims’ identities. This includes avoiding direct or indirect details, remote locations, photographs, family details and other information that could lead to identification.

The requirement has also been reiterated in the ministry’s advisory dated 13 September 2024.

Artificial intelligence has now been explicitly included in the ministry’s latest set of cautions. Broadcasters have been advised to exercise due care while using AI tools, including generative AI, in television programmes such as graphics and virtual news presentations.

The ministry said AI tools may be used in an assistive capacity, provided they do not compromise accuracy, authenticity or the sensitivity of news content and that the broadcast remains compliant with the Programme Code. The advisory does not prohibit the use of AI outright; instead, it places the emphasis on responsible use and editorial oversight.

To reinforce compliance, the ministry has asked broadcasters to strengthen their editorial and content-review mechanisms. Personnel involved in news gathering, editing, production, transmission and telecast should be adequately sensitised to the provisions of the Programme Code.

Broadcasters have also been encouraged to conduct workshops, training programmes and regular sensitisation sessions for editorial and production teams. The objective is to ensure that compliance is built into the reporting and production process rather than treated merely as a check before a programme goes on air.

The ministry reiterated that adherence to statutory obligations is essential and warned that violations of the Programme Code could invite action under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, and the rules framed under it.

The advisory was issued with the approval of the competent authority and signed by Deputy Secretary Arpitha S. Copies have been marked to regulatory bodies of television channels registered under the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021, associations and bodies of electronic media, the Broadcast Seva Portal and the ministry’s website.

For broadcasters, the message is that editorial speed cannot come at the expense of accuracy, restraint or statutory compliance. From live security operations and crime coverage to communal debates, victim privacy and AI-generated visuals, the ministry has outlined the responsibilities it expects television channels to observe.

The advisory does not introduce a blanket ban on AI or specify a new penalty for every category of violation. Instead, it reinforces existing legal obligations and calls for stronger internal safeguards, making editorial judgement and verification central to keeping television broadcasts within the Programme Code.