Steering Clear of Sensational Titles: Advisory Issued by Centre to Private Broadcasters
The Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) in India has issued an advisory to private TV news channels, expressing concern over instances of false claims, sensational reporting, and the use of socially unacceptable language. The advisory, available on the Ministry's website, does not provide explicit examples but is part of a broader regulatory tightening and oversight push.
The Ministry has specifically cited the Programme Code laid down under the Act as a guide for the channels' conduct. This code prohibits the use of provocative headlines, unsubstantiated claims, scandalous headlines unrelated to the news item, and communal overtones in reporting.
The advisory comes in the wake of concerns over coverage during the Delhi violence, where certain channels have been accused of fabricating headlines with communal color. The Ministry has also noted instances of violation during the Ukraine-Russia conflict and an incident in North-West Delhi.
The Ministry has cautioned private TV channels against broadcasting debates with unparliamentary, provocative, and socially unacceptable language, communal remarks, and derogatory references. It has warned that such content may have a negative psychological impact on viewers, incite communal disharmony, and disturb the peace.
The advisory does not detail any changes in policies or actions, but the Ministry's draft amendments to TV rating norms suggest an intent to curb unethical practices. These amendments propose stricter conflict-of-interest norms and forbid rating agencies from providing consultancy services that could conflict with their core rating duties, a move likely aimed at improving accountability and credibility in TV content measurement and reporting.
For concrete instances cited in the advisory, further official communications or detailed Ministry reports would be required beyond the current publicly available summaries. The advisory is a clear indication of the Ministry's commitment to ensuring authentic, unbiased, and decent news coverage on Indian television.
The Ministry's advisory to private TV news channels emphasizes adherence to the Programme Code, which includes prohibitions against provocative headlines, unsubstantiated claims, and communal overtones in reporting, due to concerns over coverage during events such as the Delhi violence and the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Moreover, the Ministry has warned against broadcasting debates containing unparliamentary, provocative, and socially unacceptable language, communal remarks, and derogatory references, citing negative psychological impacts and potential for inciting communal disharmony and peace disruptions.
