Why the Defence Ministry Urges Media to Avoid Live Coverage of Operations

Defence Ministry's Advisory to Media

New Delhi: On Friday, the Ministry of Defence issued a directive urging media outlets to avoid live broadcasts of military operations and the movements of security personnel.

In a statement shared on its social media platform X, the Ministry emphasized, "All media channels, digital platforms, and individuals are advised to refrain from live coverage or real-time reporting of defence operations and movement of security forces."

The Ministry cautioned that revealing sensitive information could compromise operational success and put lives at risk.

It referenced historical events such as the Kargil War, the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, and the Kandahar hijacking to illustrate the dangers of premature media reporting.

According to clause 6(1)(p) of the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021, only designated officials are allowed to provide periodic updates during anti-terror operations.

"All stakeholders are urged to exercise vigilance, sensitivity, and responsibility in coverage, upholding the highest standards in the service of the nation," the Ministry's post stated.

The Ministry also referred to an advisory from the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, which had previously issued a detailed note on April 6.

This advisory reiterated the need for media channels to avoid live coverage of military operations and the movements of security forces, emphasizing the importance of adhering to existing laws and regulations.

It specifically warned against real-time reporting or sharing visuals based on source information related to defence activities.

"Premature disclosure of sensitive information may inadvertently assist hostile elements and endanger operational effectiveness and the safety of personnel. Past incidents have underscored the importance of responsible reporting. During events such as the Kargil war, the Mumbai terror attacks (26/11), and the Kandahar hijacking, unrestricted coverage had unintended adverse consequences on national interests," the advisory noted.

The Ministry highlighted the crucial role that media, digital platforms, and individuals play in maintaining national security.

"Beyond legal obligations, it is a shared moral responsibility to ensure that our collective actions do not compromise ongoing operations or the security of our forces," the advisory stated.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has already reminded all TV channels to comply with Rule 6(1)(p) of the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021, which prohibits live coverage of anti-terrorist operations by security forces, allowing only periodic briefings by designated officials until the operation concludes.

In its advisory dated April 26, the Ministry warned that such broadcasts violate the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021, and are subject to penalties. Therefore, all TV channels are advised against airing live coverage of anti-terrorist operations and movements by security forces in the interest of national security.

The government has called on all stakeholders to maintain vigilance, sensitivity, and responsibility in their reporting, upholding the highest standards in service to the nation.