MIB warns TV channels against sensational crime coverage, cautions on AI-generated news

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has directed private satellite television channels to strictly adhere to the Programme Code governing television content, flagging concerns over sensational crime reporting, repeated telecast of disturbing visuals, inflammatory content during live debates and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in news programming.

In an advisory dated October 21, 2026, the ministry asked broadcasters to comply with the provisions of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, and the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994, in letter and spirit. It cautioned that violations of the Programme Code could invite action under the Act and the rules framed under it.

The advisory follows observations by the Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC), constituted under the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021, that telecasts on various television channels were not always in conformity with the spirit of the Programme Code. The committee also observed instances of similar news and visuals being broadcast across multiple channels on similar topics.

The IDC recommended that all private satellite television channels be reminded of their statutory obligations. It also emphasised that inappropriate behaviour and language should not be normalised through television broadcasts.

The latest directions cover a range of editorial practices, including coverage of anti-terrorist operations, violent incidents, crimes against women and children, natural disasters, communal issues and the use of AI-generated graphics and virtual news presentations.

Restrictions on live coverage of anti-terror operations

Reiterating existing restrictions, the ministry said live coverage of anti-terrorist operations by security forces is prohibited under Rule 6(1)(p) of the Cable Television Networks Rules. Media coverage during such operations must be restricted to periodic briefings by an authorised officer until the operation concludes.

The ministry has also advised channels to time-stamp visuals wherever necessary to prevent viewers from being given the misleading impression that recorded footage is being broadcast live.

The advisory refers to earlier ministry advisories dated June 12, 2024, and April 26, 2025, on the subject.

The direction places the emphasis on distinguishing archived or previously recorded footage from live developments, particularly when the timing of an operation could have implications for public understanding of events.

Tighter scrutiny of crime and violence reporting

The ministry has asked broadcasters to exercise caution, responsibility and editorial discretion when telecasting violent, graphic or disturbing visuals. Such content must comply with Rule 6(1)(a), which requires programmes to avoid offending good taste or decency and causing unnecessary distress to viewers.

Crime and violence reporting must be based on verified facts and presented in a balanced and responsible manner, the advisory said. Channels have been cautioned against airing deliberate falsehoods, suggestive innuendos and half-truths, as prohibited under Rule 6(1)(d).

The ministry has also warned against sensational reporting that glorifies or normalises unlawful or socially undesirable behaviour.

Broadcasters have been asked to avoid excessive repetition or looping of disturbing footage. Blurring or masking techniques have been suggested wherever necessary to ensure that visuals do not offend viewers' sense of good taste and decency.

The advisory reiterates the ministry's January 9, 2023, directions asking channels to align their reporting systems and practices for incidents involving crime, accidents, violence and death with the Programme Code.

It also specifically calls for due diligence when telecasting visuals involving crimes against women and children, with compliance required under Rules 6(1)(k) and 6(1)(l).

Disaster coverage must avoid unnecessary panic

The ministry has asked channels to ensure that visuals used in reports on natural calamities, disasters, major accidents and other significant incidents are time-stamped wherever necessary.

The objective is to prevent outdated footage from creating unnecessary panic among viewers. Coverage must also be based on verified facts in accordance with Rule 6(1)(d).

The ministry referred to its earlier advisories dated August 9, 2024, and November 18, 2025, which addressed similar concerns.

The direction reinforces the need for broadcasters to establish the context and timing of footage, particularly when images of disasters or accidents are replayed as an event develops.

Live debates under scrutiny over communal content

The advisory also addresses the editorial responsibility of broadcasters during live debates and panel discussions.

Under Rules 6(1)(c) and 6(1)(e), programmes must not promote communal or anti-national attitudes. The ministry has asked channels to ensure that discussions do not encourage such attitudes and to exercise adequate editorial control over their content.

This includes careful selection of panellists and participants and sensitising them before programmes, where appropriate.

The ministry has asked broadcasters to deploy immediate remedial measures whenever necessary to prevent derogatory, abusive or inflammatory content from being aired. These measures may include muting participants, issuing disclaimers, interrupting a programme or discontinuing the feed.

The advisory also refers to an earlier ministry communication dated June 8, 2023, which reiterated the requirement to comply with the Programme Code.

The directions make editorial oversight a central consideration for live programming, where broadcasters may need to respond immediately to statements made by participants rather than relying solely on post-broadcast review.

Authentic maps and protection of sexual assault survivors

The ministry has directed private satellite television channels to use only authentic maps of India published by the Survey of India across their telecasts, graphics and digital representations.

The requirement is linked to Rule 6(1)(h) of the Programme Code, which the advisory cites in connection with upholding the integrity of the nation.

Broadcasters have also been reminded of the requirement to protect the identities of victims of sexual offences in accordance with Supreme Court directions and applicable legal provisions.

The restriction extends beyond names and photographs. Channels must avoid disclosing direct or indirect particulars, remote facts, family details, locality information or any other details that could lead to a victim's identification.

The ministry said the requirement had also been reiterated in its September 13, 2024, advisory.

AI tools should remain assistive

In a direction relevant to the growing use of AI in television newsrooms, the ministry has advised broadcasters to exercise due caution while using AI tools, including generative AI, in programmes.

The advisory specifically mentions applications such as graphics and virtual news presentations, while making clear that the examples are not exhaustive.

AI tools may be used in an assistive capacity, the ministry said, provided they do not compromise the accuracy, authenticity or sensitivity of news content and broadcasters continue to comply with the Programme Code.

Broadcasters asked to strengthen internal review systems

Beyond individual content categories, the ministry has asked broadcasters to strengthen their editorial and content-review mechanisms across the production and transmission process.

Personnel involved in news gathering, editing, production, transmission and telecast must be adequately sensitised to the provisions of the Programme Code, the advisory said.

Broadcasters have been encouraged to conduct workshops, training programmes and sensitisation sessions for editorial and production teams at regular intervals to ensure continued compliance.

The ministry reiterated that adherence to statutory obligations is essential and warned that violations could lead to action under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, and the rules framed under it.

The advisory consolidates the ministry's expectations across news presentation, live programming, visual treatment, victim privacy and emerging production technologies, with broadcasters being asked to strengthen compliance through editorial oversight, verification and staff training.