NEW DELHI: Flagging repeated lapses in television content, the information and broadcasting ministry has asked private satellite channels to check communal rhetoric, sensational coverage of crime and violence and the misuse of artificial intelligence in news production, warning that violations of the Programme Code could invite action.In an advisory issued on Wednesday, the ministry said its Inter-Departmental Committee had found content aired by various channels “not in conformity with the spirit of the Programme Code”. It also noted instances of similar news and visuals being broadcast across multiple channels on the same subjects.The committee stressed that “inappropriate behaviour or language should not be normalised in telecast”, and urged broadcasters to follow both the letter and spirit of existing rules.Taking particular note of television debates, the advisory said channels must ensure that discussions do not “promote or encourage communal or anti-national attitudes”. It called for careful selection and prior sensitisation of panellists, adequate editorial control and, where necessary, “immediate remedial measures such as muting, disclaimers, interruption or discontinuation of feed” to stop derogatory, abusive or inflammatory content from being aired.On AI, the ministry asked broadcasters to exercise caution while using it, including generative tools, for graphics and virtual news presentations. “The use of AI tools may be limited to assistive capacity,” it said, stressing that accuracy, authenticity and sensitivity must not be compromised.The advisory reiterated the prohibition on live coverage of anti-terror operations by security forces, restricting such reporting to periodic briefings by authorised officers. Telecasts of related visuals should be time-stamped wherever necessary to avoid misleading viewers.It also urged channels to avoid graphic or disturbing visuals, unverified and sensationalised crime reports, excessive replay of violent footage and coverage that might glorify unlawful behaviour. Images from disasters and major accidents, it said, should be time-stamped where necessary to prevent panic.
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Broadcasters were further reminded to use only authentic maps issued by the Survey of India and protect the identities of sexual offence victims, including through indirect details.The ministry asked channels to strengthen editorial reviews and train news, production and transmission staff in the Programme Code.
