NBDSA Flags Communal Code Violations | 05 Feb 2026

Source: IE 

Recently, data revealed that nearly 60% of orders passed by the News Broadcasting & Digital Standards Authority (NBDSA) over the past three years cited violations of the communal harmony code by private TV and digital news broadcasters. 

News Broadcasting & Digital Standards Authority (NBDSA)  

• About: It is an independent self-regulatory body set up by the News Broadcasters & Digital Association (NBDA), representing private TV and digital news broadcasters in India, and is funded by its members. 
• Mandate & Framework: It enforces standards of objectivity, impartiality, fairness, decency, and responsible journalism under the News Broadcasting & Digital Standards Regulations, 2008, with a focus on communal harmony and ethical reporting. 
• Powers & Jurisdiction: NBDSA adjudicates complaints against news broadcasts, may act suo motu or on complaints from individuals or government bodies, and can issue warnings, censures, direct content modification or removal, impose penalties or close complaints where no violation of its Code of Ethics is found. 
• Structure: The body comprises a Chairperson, who must be an eminent jurist, along with members including news editors and individuals with expertise in fields such as law, education, literature, and public administration, nominated by a majority of the Board. 
• Penalties & Redressal: It follows a two-tier grievance redressal mechanism, requiring complainants to first approach the broadcaster before escalating the matter to the Authority.