Centre instructs news channels to refrain from broadcasting anti-terrorism operations

New Delhi: On Wednesday, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) issued a warning to private news channels against broadcasting live anti-terrorist operations conducted by security forces. According to the ministry, such live coverage contravenes the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021. 

This warning follows the "extensive TV coverage" of two counter-terrorism operations in Kathua and Doda by certain news channels.

The ministry's advisory emphasised, "Such telecast is in violation of Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021 and liable for action thereunder. Therefore, all TV channels are advised not to telecast live coverage of anti-terrorist operations by the security forces in the interest of national security and to safeguard innocent lives."

Additionally, the ministry reminded news channels that similar advisories had been issued in the past, urging compliance with the regulations.

The advisory further clarified, "Rule 6(1)(p) states that no programme should be carried in the cable service which contains live coverage of any anti-terrorist operation by security forces, wherein media coverage shall be restricted to periodic briefing by an officer designated by the appropriate government, till such operation concludes."