Centre Flags 'Sensitive Content': Advisory to TV Channels on Explosive-Making Footage

New Delhi: The Government has issued an advisory to all private television channels against telecasting sensitive content or visuals related to recent incidents, including the blast near Delhi’s Red Fort, that could aid, abet, or promote unlawful activities.In its advisory, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said, “It has come to notice that some news channels have been broadcasting content related to alleged persons involved in the Red Fort blasts, justifying their acts of violence, as well as information/videos on how to make explosive material. Such broadcasts may inadvertently encourage or incite violence, disrupt public order, and pose risks to national security.”The government advised all TV channels to exercise the highest level

of discretion and sensitivity while reporting on such matters.Broadcasters were also reminded to ensure strict compliance with the Programme and Advertising Code under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995.The ministry further noted that such broadcasts may violate the Cable Television Network Rules, specifically Rules 6(1)(d), 6(1)(e), and 6(1)(h), which state that no programme should:

• Contain anything obscene, defamatory, deliberately false, or suggestive innuendos and half-truths.
• Be likely to encourage or incite violence, contain anything against the maintenance of law and order, or promote anti-national attitudes.
• Contain anything that affects the integrity of the nation.

Reiterating these provisions, the ministry said that all TV channels must avoid telecasting visuals that could aid, abet, or promote unlawful activities.The advisory comes in the wake of certain television channels airing content on making explosives following the recent blast near Delhi’s Red Fort, which left several people dead.