Govt raps TV channels for hosting communally surcharge debates

New Delhi: It has been found that in the recent past several satellite TV channels have carried out coverage of events and incidents in a manner which appears to be unauthentic, misleading, sensational and using socially unacceptable language and remarks, offending good taste and decency, and obscene and defamatory and having communal overtones, said the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

The Ministry rapped the private news channels for hosting televisions debates and allowing participants to air communally provocative and derogatory remarks.

An advisory to the TV cautioned against inciting communal disharmony and disturbing peace at large.

“It has been observed that some channels broadcast debates with unparliamentary, provocative and socially unacceptable language, communal remarks and derogatory references which may have a negative psychological impact on viewers and may also incite communal disharmony and disturb the peace at large,” the Ministry stated in the advisory.

The Ministry also took note of the TV coverage around the Russia-Ukraine conflict and recent incidents in North-West Delhi and flagged up violations of laws and norms.