Representative image. Biswarup Ganguly, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Why it matters
TV news is still how many Indian households follow events, and the advisory shapes what they will see in debates, crime reports and disaster coverage. It also puts channels on notice that the government is watching for breaches of the Programme Code, which can lead to penalties. Viewers have a formal route to complain if they think a channel crosses the line.
News channels have been told to keep tighter control of studio debates, including muting or cutting the feed when a guest turns abusive, under an advisory the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued on 21 October 2026. The advisory covers all private satellite TV channels, but its instructions are aimed mainly at news broadcasters, and it warns that breaking the rules can lead to action under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995.
What the I&B advisory asks news channels to do
The ministry said it had seen several channels fail to follow the Programme Code, the content rules set out in the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994, the Hindustan Times reported. The advisory followed a meeting of the Inter-Departmental Committee, a panel of officials from several ministries that hears complaints about TV content, which said bad behaviour and language should not become normal on air.
For debates and panel shows, channels must choose and brief participants with care. When a discussion becomes derogatory, abusive or inflammatory, they should use muting, on-screen disclaimers, interruption or a cut in the feed to stop it going out. Programmes, debates included, must not promote communal or “anti-national” attitudes, The Hindu reported.
Rules on terror operations, crime and disasters
Live coverage of anti-terror operations by security forces is not allowed. Until an operation ends, channels can only report what an officer authorised by the government says in periodic briefings. Older footage should carry a time stamp so viewers do not mistake it for a live feed.
On crime and violence, the ministry asked for reports based on checked facts, and said channels must not air deliberate falsehoods, suggestive innuendo or half-truths. It asked them to avoid sensational coverage that glorifies unlawful conduct, to stop looping disturbing clips again and again, and to blur or mask visuals where needed. Extra care is required for crimes against women and children, and no detail that could identify a victim of a sexual offence, such as a photo, family details or the locality, can be shown.
For floods, earthquakes, big accidents and similar events, visuals should be time-stamped where needed so that old clips do not cause panic, and reporting must rest on verified facts.
Maps, AI and staff training for TV news channels
Channels must use only maps of India published by the Survey of India, in programmes, graphics and digital material. Artificial intelligence tools should stay in a helping role and must not weaken the accuracy, authenticity or sensitivity of news, the ministry said.
Broadcasters have also been asked to strengthen their editorial and content review systems, make sure everyone involved in gathering, editing and airing news knows the Programme Code, and hold regular workshops and training on it.
Why the ministry has written to news channels now
The trigger was the Inter-Departmental Committee, which was set up under the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021. After its latest meeting, the ministry said it had found “instances of non-compliance” by various private satellite channels, according to the Hindustan Times.
Most of the advisory restates rules news channels already work under, such as decency in visuals and protecting victims of sexual offences, which the Supreme Court has also ordered repeatedly. Two areas stand out as newer. One is artificial intelligence, which the ministry wants kept as an aid to journalists rather than a replacement for checking facts. The other is live debates, where the advisory spells out specific steps, muting and cutting the feed, rather than a general call for restraint.
An advisory is guidance, not a new law. Its weight comes from the warning attached to it: the ministry said violations may invite action under the 1995 Act, the law under which TV channels operate in India.
What viewers may notice on news channels
If channels follow the advisory, viewers may see more muted microphones and cut-aways during heated debates, more blurred visuals, and time stamps on footage of disasters or encounters. Coverage of security operations will be limited to official briefings until they end.
For news channels themselves, the advisory means more work behind the scenes. They have been asked to review how they pick debate guests, brief panellists before shows and train editing and production staff on the Programme Code, so that problems are caught before they go on air.
The advisory comes as rules for online content are also being tested in court. NewsPlainly recently explained what a High Court ruling on content blocking means for users.
Frequently asked questions
Is the I&B advisory a new law?
No. It reminds channels of the existing Programme Code under the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994, and warns that breaches can bring action under the 1995 Act.
Which channels does it apply to?
It is addressed to all private satellite TV channels, but most of its instructions are aimed at news broadcasters.
Can TV channels show anti-terror operations live?
No. Until an operation ends, they can only air periodic briefings by an officer the government authorises.