‘News channels must not show anti-national content’ says govt:Avoid inflammatory debates and use AI properly; 10-point advisory released

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued a new advisory on Wednesday for all private satellite TV channels. Under the advisory, news channels have been directed not to broadcast anti-national content. Channels have been told to avoid provocative debates. The ministry has also asked channels to use AI properly. The ministry said that several private TV channels were not complying with the provisions of the Programme Code. The Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC) also found that some channels had broadcast content that did not conform to the Programme Code. 1. Live coverage of counter-terrorism operations prohibited Live coverage of counter-terrorism operations by security forces is prohibited. During such operations, media coverage should be limited to information provided by an authorised officer after the operation has concluded. Channels have been asked to show such visuals with a time stamp, where necessary, so that they are not mistakenly understood to be live coverage. 2. Do not show violent or disturbing visuals Channels have been asked to exercise caution, responsibility and editorial judgement when showing violent, graphic or disturbing visuals. Such visuals should not cause viewers unnecessary distress, and decency should be maintained in broadcasts. 3. Exercise caution when reporting crime and violence Reporting on cases related to crime and violence should be based on verified facts and the truth. Channels have been asked to report in a balanced and responsible manner to ensure that deliberately false, misleading or incomplete information is not broadcast. 4. Avoid sensational reporting of any crime Channels have been advised to avoid sensational reporting that could send a message promoting or normalising illegal or socially undesirable behaviour. They have also been advised to avoid repeatedly showing or running disturbing visuals in a loop, and to use blurring or masking where necessary. 5. Exercise caution when covering natural disasters and major accidents Visuals related to natural disasters and major accidents have been advised to be shown with time stamps where necessary, so that unnecessary panic does not spread among viewers. Reporting should be based on verified facts. 6. Use the official map of India Private satellite television channels have been advised to use only the official map of India published by the Survey of India in all broadcasts, graphics and digital presentations. 7. No provocative debates on channels Television programmes and live debates have been directed not to promote communal or anti-national sentiments. Channels have been advised to exercise caution when selecting panellists and participants. They have been asked to take steps such as muting, issuing disclaimers, stopping programmes or cutting the feed when necessary, to prevent the broadcast of insulting, objectionable or provocative content. 8. Protecting the identity of sexual crime victims Channels have been directed to strictly follow the Supreme Court’s directions and relevant laws prohibiting the disclosure of the identities of sexual crime victims. Direct or indirect information, photographs, family details, locations or other details that could reveal the victim’s identity must not be broadcast. 9. Guidelines on the use of AI as well Channels have been advised to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its tools, including generative AI, with caution. This includes features such as graphics and virtual news presentations. AI should be used only in a supporting role and must not affect the accuracy, authenticity or sensitivity of the news. Compliance with the Programme Code is also essential. 10. Strengthen Editorial and Content Systems Broadcasters have been advised to strengthen their review mechanisms and ensure that all staff involved in news gathering, editing, production, transmission and telecast have adequate knowledge of the provisions of the Programme Code. They have been asked to organise regular workshops, training programmes and awareness sessions for editorial and production teams to ensure continued compliance with the Programme Code.