Union Minister Mr. Anurag Thakur has informed that there were 128 cases where private TV channels were violating guidelines between 2016-2020. Thus their licenses have been revoked. He said, “TV channels cease operation due to various reasons, including for non-fulfilment of conditions under the guidelines. During the last five years, 204 TV channels have ceased to operate.” He informed that 60 private satellite TV channels were given permission to operate in the country in 2016-17, 34 during 2017-18, 56 each in 2018-19 and 2019-20, and 22 during 2020-21.

Mr. Thakur added that the central government takes action against private TV channels when they violate the programme code laid down under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 by the issuance of warnings, advisories, off-air orders, etc.