The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued an advisory warning television channels against inflammatory debates, sensational reporting and misuse of artificial intelligence in news broadcasting.
Issued on October 21, the directive calls for strict compliance with the Programme Code under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995.
Broadcasters have been instructed to prevent communal rhetoric, abusive discussions and provocative statements during live debates through stronger editorial supervision.
The government also prohibited live coverage of anti-terror operations, urging channels to avoid disturbing visuals, misleading footage and sensationalised crime reporting.
Significantly, the advisory cautions against irresponsible use of generative AI in graphics, virtual presentations and news production. AI must remain an assistive tool without compromising authenticity.
Channels must protect victims' identities, verify information, strengthen content-review mechanisms and train editorial teams. Violations could attract regulatory action.
The larger concern is preserving public trust in journalism. As AI-generated misinformation and polarising debates intensify, responsible editorial oversight, transparency and verification are essential to safeguarding media credibility.
