Private TV channels asked to use AI in programmes without compromising accuracy & follow statutory Programme Code

STC NEWS DESK
NEW DELHI, OCTOBER 21 (STC): All private satellite television channels have been directed by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) to strictly adhere to the Programme Code under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, warning that violations will invite statutory action.
The advisory issued by the Ministry follows observations by the Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC) that recent telecasts—including the broadcast of similar visuals across multiple channels—have not conformed to the spirit of the Programme Code prescribed under Rule 6 of the CTN Rules, 1994.
It has also been observed that inappropriate behaviour and language are increasingly being normalized on air.
The Ministry has asked broadcasters that live coverage of anti-terrorist operations by security forces is strictly prohibited. Coverage during such operations must be restricted to periodic briefings by authorized officers until the operation concludes, and visuals must be time-stamped to prevent any misleading impression of live coverage.
“Exercise due caution, responsibility, and editorial discretion while telecasting violent, graphic, or disturbing visuals, reads the directive issued to the TV channels.
The Ministry has also warned against sensational reporting that may glorify or normalize unlawful behaviour, and mandated the use of blurring or masking techniques, particularly in cases involving crimes against women and children.
Addressing the increasingly fraught nature of prime-time television, the advisory stated that programmes, including live debates and panel discussions, must not promote communal or anti-national attitudes. Broadcasters have been instructed to exercise adequate editorial control—including the careful selection and pre-sensitization of panellists—and to implement immediate remedial measures such as muting, disclaimers, or discontinuing the feed if derogatory or inflammatory content is aired.
The Ministry further reiterated that channels must strictly adhere to Supreme Court directions regarding the non-disclosure of the identity of victims of sexual offences, including refraining from revealing indirect particulars, photographs, or locality details that could lead to identification.
With regard to use of
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its tools, including Generative AI, the channels have been asked to observe caution while creating graphics or virtual news presentations. The Ministry stated that the use of AI tools must be limited to an “assistive capacity without compromising the accuracy, authenticity, or sensitivity of the news content.”
Channels have also been directed to use only authentic maps of India, as published by the Survey of India, and to base disaster and accident reporting on verified facts to prevent public panic.
Broadcasters have now been instructed to strengthen their editorial and content-review mechanisms and conduct regular sensitization workshops for their production and transmission teams. The Ministry made it clear that adherence to these statutory obligations is mandatory.
(Straight Talk Communications I Inputs from Agencies)