Overview
- The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued the advisory on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, directing private satellite TV channels to strictly follow the Programme Code under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995.
- The Inter-Departmental Committee found repeated non‑compliant telecasts and flagged similar visuals across channels, prompting the consolidated guidance and a warning that breaches may invite action under the Act.
- The notice restates that live coverage of anti‑terror operations is prohibited under Rule 6(1)(p) and requires broadcasts to rely on periodic briefings from authorised officers with any visuals clearly time‑stamped.
- Broadcasters are told to limit generative and other AI tools to an assistive role so accuracy and authenticity are not compromised, and to use only Survey of India maps for geographic graphics.
- The ministry urged stronger editorial controls, staff training and the protection of sexual‑offence victims’ identities, and circulated the advisory to self‑regulatory bodies, media associations and the Broadcast Sewa Portal for monitoring.