New Delhi: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Wednesday flagged instances of non-compliance with the Programme Code by private satellite television channels and advised them to strictly adhere to its provisions, warning that violations could invite action.
In an advisory, the ministry also urged caution while using artificial intelligence (AI), including generative AI, for graphics, virtual news presentations and other programmes.
AI tools may be used in an assistive capacity without compromising the accuracy, authenticity or sensitivity of news content, it said.
The ministry said various channels had violated provisions of the Programme Code prescribed under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, and the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994.
An inter-departmental committee also observed that telecasts on various channels were “not in conformity with the spirit of the Programme Code”, citing instances of similar news and visuals being broadcast on multiple channels on similar topics.
The committee recommended strict adherence to statutory provisions and emphasised that inappropriate behaviour or language should not be normalised in telecasts.
Citing the existing rules, the ministry advised channels to carefully select and sensitise panellists to prevent communal or anti-national content during debates and panel discussions.
Measures such as muting, disclaimers or discontinuation of feeds should be used to prevent derogatory, abusive or inflammatory content from being aired, it said.
The advisory reiterated the prohibition on live coverage of anti-terrorist operations by security forces, restricting coverage to periodic briefings by an authorised officer until the operations conclude.
It asked channels to avoid sensational reporting of crime and violence, exercise caution while airing disturbing visuals, and refrain from excessively repeating or looping such footage.
Coverage of disasters and major accidents should be based on verified facts, with visuals time-stamped wherever necessary to avoid panic, it said.
Channels were also advised to use only authentic maps of India published by the Survey of India.
The ministry reiterated that channels must protect the identities of sexual offence victims, including by withholding indirect details that could identify them, and strengthen their editorial and content review mechanisms.