I&B Minister urges TV news channels to curb communal and anti‑national content, set AI guidelines

Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday warned television news channels to avoid any program that could fuel communal tension or anti‑national sentiment. The advisory stresses strict compliance with the programme regulations under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act and its rules. An inter‑departmental panel reported that several broadcasts failed to meet these standards, noting that harmful language or behaviour must not be treated as normal. Live airing of anti‑terror operations is barred; channels may only relay periodic updates from an authorised officer until the operation ends, and any footage shown must carry time stamps to prevent misinterpretation as live. Graphic or disturbing images, especially those involving crimes against women or children, should be blurred, masked or otherwise edited, and presented with care to avoid offending decency or causing undue distress. The advisory also mandates that only official Survey of India maps be used, and that debates or panels must not promote communal or anti‑national views. Broadcasters are instructed to verify facts, present balanced reports, and refrain from falsehoods, suggestive innuendos or half‑truths when covering crime or violence. Re‑petition of sensational or disturbing visuals, as well as looping of such content, is discouraged. Regarding artificial intelligence, the ministry says it should serve only as a supportive tool and must not undermine the accuracy, authenticity or sensitivity of news material. Channels are asked to strengthen editorial checks, train staff on code compliance and be ready to mute, add disclaimers, interrupt or stop feeds that contain abusive or inflammatory content.

Context

The move follows growing concerns over media’s role in communal harmony and the rise of AI‑generated content, prompting the government to tighten oversight of televised news.