NEW DELHI: Noting that it had come to its notice that certain television channels had been telecasting provocative news / programmes relating to the Cauvery dispute, the Government on Tuesday evening asked the media to avoid live telecasts or file shots of violence.

A statement issued by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry said the reportage may use shots of the Cauvery river and security forces. It said news, views or comments relating to the dispute should be telecast only after proper verification of facts and presented with due caution.

TV channels have been asked to exercise restraint while covering incidents of rioting. Cable TV and satellite channels have been asked not to carry news in such a way that it incites violence. Earlier, I&B Minister M Venkaiah Naidu urged the media to exercise restraint in coverage of such incidents.

The note issued by Director (Broadcasting) Neeti Sarkar stated that, as per the conditions/obligations of permission / approval for uplinking / downlinking, the channels are bound to follow the Programme Code and Advertising Code prescribed under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act 1995 and rules framed thereunder.