The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Wednesday, October 21, told every private satellite television channel in the country to follow the Programme Code “in letter and spirit”, setting out fresh expectations on everything from live debates and crime coverage to the use of artificial intelligence in newsrooms. The advisory warns that breaches can invite action under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995.
Why the ministry stepped in
According to the ministry, the trigger was a review by the Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC), the body set up under the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021, to hear complaints about broadcast content. The committee found that telecasts on various channels were not always in line with the spirit of the code, and it noticed the same kind of news and visuals running across several channels on similar topics. It recommended that all channels be reminded of their legal obligations, adding that “inappropriate behaviour or language should not be normalized in telecast”.
AI only as a helper
The ministry also addressed the growing use of generative AI in programmes, including on-screen graphics and virtual news presenters. Channels were told to use these tools with due caution and to keep them in an “assistive capacity”, so that they do not compromise the accuracy, authenticity or sensitivity of news content.
What else channels have been asked to do
- No live coverage of anti-terror operations: Rule 6(1)(p) already bars it. Coverage must be limited to periodic briefings by an authorised officer until the operation ends, and recorded visuals should carry a time stamp so they are not mistaken for live footage.
- Violent and disturbing visuals: editors must use discretion, avoid looping gruesome footage, and blur or mask images where needed.
- Crime reporting: stick to verified facts, avoid sensational treatment that glorifies unlawful behaviour, and take extra care with crimes against women and children.
- Disasters and major accidents: time-stamp visuals so that old footage does not cause needless panic.
- Debates: panels must not promote communal or anti-national attitudes. Channels should choose and brief panellists carefully, and mute speakers, run disclaimers, interrupt the programme or cut the feed if abusive or inflammatory remarks are made.
- Maps and victims: use only authentic maps of India published by the Survey of India, and never reveal photos, family details, locality or other clues that could identify survivors of sexual offences.
Background and what happens next
Much of the advisory restates earlier instructions. The ministry referred to its advisories on anti-terror coverage dated June 12, 2024, and April 26, 2025, its January 9, 2023 directions on reporting crime, accidents and deaths, and notes on disaster coverage issued on August 9, 2024, and November 18, 2025. What is new is the explicit line on AI and the detailed steps expected of channels during live debates, including the remedial measures channels can use on air.
Broadcasters have been asked to strengthen their internal editorial and content-review systems, and to hold regular workshops and training for staff involved in gathering, editing, producing and airing news. The ministry said violations of the code may invite action under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act and the rules framed under it.
