Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Apr 2: The Centre informed Parliament that it had temporarily halted the release of Television Rating Points (TRPs) for news channels during Operation Sindoor to discourage sensational and speculative reporting.

Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan stated in the Lok Sabha that several TV channels aired exaggerated and unverified content during the operation, a pattern often seen during crises that can lead to public panic—especially among those with loved ones in affected areas.

To address this, the government directed that TRP data for news channels be withheld for four weeks as a precautionary step. According to the minister, the move was widely accepted by stakeholders, with no objections raised.

Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, 2025, following the killing of 26 tourists in Pahalgam, triggering heightened media coverage. During this period, some broadcasters were found to be prioritising speed over accuracy, leading to misinformation.

Instances included channels airing AI-generated visuals and even video game clips as real combat footage. In other cases, unrelated old videos—such as visuals of Israel’s Iron Dome or airstrikes in Gaza and Lebanon—were wrongly presented as live scenes of Indian military action or retaliatory strikes in Punjab.

The Press Information Bureau stepped in to fact-check and debunk several misleading claims. Following the backlash, some channels issued public apologies for broadcasting incorrect information.

The government’s intervention highlights growing concerns over misinformation in high-stakes situations and the need for responsible journalism during national security events.