India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued a fresh advisory directing private satellite television channels to follow broadcasting regulations more strictly. The advisory, issued on October 21, 2026, warns broadcasters against programmes that promote communal or “anti-national” attitudes and calls for greater editorial responsibility while covering sensitive news.
The ministry has also cautioned television channels against the inappropriate use of artificial intelligence (AI), sensational reporting and the broadcast of disturbing visuals. Violations of the rules could invite action under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995.
Why Has the Government Issued the Advisory?
The ministry said it had observed instances of private television channels failing to comply with the Programme Code prescribed under the Cable Television Networks Act and its associated rules.
The Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC), which examines potential violations, reportedly found that broadcasts by several channels were not consistent with the spirit of the Programme Code. It also observed instances of similar news and visuals being broadcast across multiple channels on similar topics.
The advisory reiterates that broadcasters must comply with existing statutory requirements and avoid normalising inappropriate behaviour or language during television programmes.
TV Channels Told to Control Inflammatory Debates
One of the key areas highlighted is the conduct of live debates and panel discussions. The ministry has asked broadcasters to ensure that programmes do not promote communal or anti-national attitudes.
Channels have been advised to exercise stronger editorial control, carefully select panellists and brief participants about the standards expected during broadcasts.
If a discussion becomes abusive, derogatory or inflammatory, broadcasters should take immediate corrective action. Depending on the situation, this could include muting a speaker, issuing a disclaimer, interrupting the programme or discontinuing the live feed.
The directive places greater responsibility on television editors and producers to prevent contentious discussions from escalating into content that violates broadcasting rules.
Restrictions on Live Coverage of Anti-Terror Operations
The advisory reiterates that live coverage of anti-terror operations conducted by security forces is prohibited under the existing rules.
Media coverage during such operations should be restricted to periodic briefings by authorised officers until the operation concludes. Broadcasters have also been asked to use timestamps where necessary to distinguish recorded footage from live coverage.
The government says these measures are intended to prevent the broadcast of information that could interfere with security operations or mislead viewers.
Stricter Rules for Crime, Violence and Disaster Reporting
Television channels have been instructed to base crime reporting on verified facts and present information responsibly. The ministry has cautioned against sensational coverage that glorifies unlawful behaviour, promotes misleading insinuations or repeatedly shows disturbing images.
Broadcasters should use blurring and masking techniques wherever appropriate, particularly when showing graphic footage or material involving crimes against women and children.
Coverage of natural disasters, major accidents and other emergencies should also rely on verified information. Timestamps should be used where necessary to prevent old footage from creating unnecessary panic.
The advisory further reminds channels to protect the identities of sexual assault victims, including by avoiding photographs, family details, locality information or other details that could reveal their identities.
AI Use in Television News Comes Under Scrutiny
The ministry has specifically addressed the use of artificial intelligence, including generative AI, in television programmes, graphics and virtual news presentations.
According to the advisory, AI tools should be limited to an assistive role without compromising the accuracy, authenticity or sensitivity of news content.
The directive places emphasis on editorial oversight as AI-generated visuals and virtual presentations become more common in broadcasting. It also calls for stronger content-review mechanisms and regular training for employees involved in news gathering, editing, production and transmission.
Broadcasters must also use authentic maps of India published by the Survey of India in their television programmes, graphics and digital representations.
What Happens If Channels Violate the Rules?
The ministry has warned that violations of the Programme Code may lead to action under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, and the rules framed under it.
The advisory does not introduce an entirely new broadcasting law. Instead, it reinforces existing obligations and urges channels to improve compliance, editorial supervision and staff training.
The move is likely to renew debate over the balance between responsible broadcasting, national security, editorial independence and freedom of expression.
Summary
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has warned private television channels against promoting communal or anti-national attitudes, airing inflammatory debates and misusing AI in news programmes. The October 21 advisory also reiterates restrictions on live anti-terror coverage, calls for responsible crime reporting and stronger privacy protections for sexual assault victims. Broadcasters that violate the existing Programme Code may face legal action.
